Indiana University Athletics
Lamping Ignites Hoosier Defense
9/28/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 28, 2006
By Emily A. Hanover
A new season is always special to a group of teammates and their coaches, but as the 2006 women's soccer season rolls on, this particular campaign holds significant meaning for senior defender Lauren Lamping, who, after the fall season, will hang up her cleats and embark on a new journey - the beginning of the rest of her life.
Lamping arrived at Indiana in the fall of 2003 as an already proven winner, a soccer mind who, at the time, was only a few months removed from leading her St. Joseph's high school program to a number one national ranking. She began the difficult shift to collegiate play with what she describes as an exciting, but also very nerve-wracking, frame of mind.
"Here was a new experience," Lamping said, "I had never played with any of the girls before, and coming from a winning team, I had high expectations. But then I began to realize it's a little more physical and [college soccer] is a completely different game."
While the competition might have heated up, so did Lamping's stellar play, earning a spot in the starting 11. Unfortunately, a knee injury late in the season would cut short her freshman run, sidelining her for the team's final four matches. But like any athlete, an injury can be a wake up call, and in Lamping's case, it only strengthened her desire to get back on the field.
"The injury was so upsetting," she said, "but it made me realize how much it means to put on the Hoosier jersey. Not everybody gets the opportunity to wear the Indiana colors every weekend."
The Hoosier lineup missed Lamping's competitive nature, a trait that stands out in the mind of the man who has roamed the sidelines for the past five years, head coach Mick Lyon. Lyon describes Lamping as a player who is confident in her play and an individual who the coaching staff uses as a demonstration to the rest of the team.
Taking the field in over sixty contests throughout her career, Lamping's exciting defensive scheme has etched its way into the Hoosier record book. A novelty when it comes to assisting the offense with eight career assists, she has four already on the 2006 season alone, just four shy of the single-season mark. But for the senior, this feat isn't high on her list of priorities.
"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if we have a player of the year if we aren't winning games," Lamping said. "Like any team, you want to win, and if you have great players, it's really about how you play together."
This year's team has been a strong example of that, as the Hoosier defense, under Lamping's leadership, has been extraordinary. Holding the opposition scoreless for a string of 404:57 over a five-game stretch from Sept. 1-15 this year, Lyon has been quite happy with the chemistry and overall play of his backline, which features experience in the form of new and old.
Joining Lamping in the back for their third year together is junior Jenna Babcock who, along with her elder, has taken on the task of molding two fresh faces in Kelly Lawrence and Jessica Boots.
"Lamping and I are very fortunate to have one another because I honestly think that Lamping is the best defender we have," Babcock said. "It's nice to play on her side. If I have a choice, I always want to be right behind her."
Lamping calls Babcock the voice of the defense, and it is apparent that their own comfort level, along with junior goalkeeper Stacey Van Boxmeer, is a huge part of why two freshmen have adapted so well to the Indiana game.
While consistency in the defensive scheme is important, respect on and off the field is just as integral. In any sport, there can be times when a senior rattles a freshman, or vice versa, but in the case of Lamping and the freshmen, the success of the backline is all that matters.
"Lamp does a brilliant job back there," Lawrence said, "She's always there for the quiet word to keep focused, or even just a helping hand in the game or during practice."
While quiet, her words are always heard and respected. Lamping has earned her place on the defense and in each match continues to make the most of every opportunity. Not intimidated to take shots and counted on to serve up deep free kicks, Lamping is a player who provides Lyon with offense from her defensive position.
While her Indiana collegiate career might come to a close in November, the soccer world has not seen the last of Lamping, for she's been a student of the game her entire life. Not quite willing to walk away that easy, she looks forward to possibly playing in a recreational league. While it will feed her need for the game, Lamping acknowledges that one can't recreate the competitiveness and the camaraderie that comes with being a student-athlete.
Lamping is a true student-athlete; an individual recognized twice as an academic All-American, and a person who Lyon believes has shown passion in all areas of the game to improve both mentally and physically.
"It's always a pleasure to have girls as seniors who have developed not only as great soccer players, but as great people," he said, "and Lauren has developed in every avenue of her life."
So this campaign holds significant meaning for senior Lauren Lamping, who after the fall season, will hang up her cleats and embark on a new journey - the beginning of the rest of her life, away from Yeagley Field.
