Graduate student defender Lauren Lapomarda has been a staple of Texas soccer since she came to Texas in 2020.
After Texas’ 1-0 victory over Oklahoma earlier in the season, Lapomarda set a program record for career matches, with 92 games played in an orange and white uniform.
“It means a lot to me, knowing that I became one of the program records and creating a legacy just like the legends before me,” Lapomarda said. “It’s just been an honor, and I’m very grateful for the University to allow me to come back and break that record, but also to join such high-class players.”
Up to this point in the season, Lapomarda has scored once and delivered four assists, the same amount as her two previous seasons combined. This season, head coach Angela Kelly has provided encouraging words and tactical plans to get Lapomarda more upfield, discussing how the veteran’s savviness and technical ability has allowed her to be more involved in the attack.
“(Kelly) has definitely brought up my confidence and encouraged me to get up more because I have the technical abilities,” Lapomarda said. “It’s also feeling out the game, it’s picking my moments to go up, and if I can see the field and read it well with my soccer IQ.”
Lapomarda plays with intensity and a lot of speed to defend her position. She pushes up the field, aiding in the Longhorns’ attacking opportunities, a style of play motivated by her determination.
Lapomarda sits at 5 ‘2 and is much smaller than most of the opposing players she faces. She made it clear that she will not let her height be an obstacle.
“It’s not based on height, it’s based on how big of a game I play and so I think big, and I’m willing to give it my all,” Lapomarda said. “So just having a growth mindset, that if I’m willing to work for my team and myself, then I can achieve what I want.”
Lapomarda is in a situation that not many of her other teammates can relate to, having now five years of experience in the Longhorns program. This extended amount of time has become valuable for Lapomarda as she grows within the program.
“I learned that if you put your head down and get to work, your teammates will respect you,” Lapomarda said. “If you continue having that growth mindset and improving each and every day and having full faith in yourself, you can achieve anything you want.”
