Sept. 28, 2012

By Jordy Clifton Arizona Communications Services

From Anaheim to Tucson, Lauren Young is loving her new experience at the University of Arizona. When it comes to workouts and classes, Young is learning how to balance the athlete life with the student life.

Before her college experience, Young grew up in Anaheim, Calif., playing softball for her club team, the OC Batbusters. Lauren always dreamed about going to UA to play softball, and said she owes a lot of her success to her dad,

"He was always pushing me to my limits, and knows what is best for me, I really appreciate all the time and effort from him that was spend on lessons and tournaments," says Young. All of the encouragement from her dad, along with Young's hard work, has paid off.

Young's major is undecided, but she is leaning towards a business degree. Currently Young is taking her general education courses to work towards her final goal.

What brought Young to choose UA was Head Coach Mike Candrea, the campus and the girls. Lauren said as soon as she walked on campus she fell in love.

Young loves the atmosphere at the University and feels confident with her decision. "The experience is more than I expected, and I didn't know how close I would get with my team."

Lauren's favorite experiences so far have been with the other girls on the team, "They are so fun and funny; I know that they will always be there to support me. We all get along so well."

A shortstop in high school, Young's athleticism gives Candrea many options to use her defensively. Candrea calls Young the team's "Swiss Army Knife" because of her ability to "play any position on the field except pitcher, and play them well."

"Lauren will have an outstanding career at Arizona and will be a great addition to our program," said Candrea. "Lauren will have a chance to make an impact and time will tell where she will be in the lineup. She's a great athlete and a wonderful person," he said.

The transition from high school ball to college ball has made an impression. "The workouts here are a lot tougher than I thought; I didn't do as much lifting and running before, but I like it. It has a lot more to do with the sport." She also mentioned the other freshman as well. "We are all working hard and getting better day by day." Young is adapting well to the new workouts, and she knows it is all worth it in the end.

Young will be one of eight newcomers to don the Arizona uniform for the first time in the spring as the team looks to return to the Women's College World Series with one of the youngest squads in Candrea's 27-year tenure.

"I am lucky to be playing for a coach like him," says Young of Candrea. She explained that coach sees a great future with her and the team this year.

The team practices do not start until the end of this month, but in the meantime the girls have been doing "individuals."

"I like to take advantage of my one-on-one time with coach," say Lauren. Young can virtually play anywhere. She is currently practicing in the outfield, infield, and is even catching, a true utility player. Young is looking forward to the team practices to bond with the girls, get better, and work more specifically at positions.

Softball's season starts in February, and Young is ready for her new experiences as a player, "I am looking forward to the adrenaline I will get when I see the crowd, and for playing for Arizona for the first time. It has always been by dream to play here" in her first collegiate softball game.

Lauren also mentioned that she is representing Arizona when she puts on that jersey, and she wouldn't have it any other way. She's a hardworking freshman anxious to start the new year.

The Cats start their fall season on Oct. 7 in Tucson at Hillenbrand Stadium, with a pair of exhibition games. UA faces Yavapai College at 3 p.m. and Eastern Arizona at 5 p.m. Admission is free.