OVERTIME WITH LAUREN MAGRE
By Don Lowe | Photos by Mark Strickland Photos
Fayetteville Lady Bulldogs Senior Soccer Star Lauren Magre has been playing this sport virtually her entire life, as this 18-year-old young lady got her start in it 14 years ago. And she’s come a long way, while achieving a great deal of individual success thus far in a terrific high school career.
As a sophomore two years ago, Magre was named to the Class 6A All-State team, as well as receiving Arkansas Preps 2nd Team recognition and 6A-West All-Conference 2nd Team honors, along with being heralded as Fayetteville’s Offensive Team Most Valuable Player (MVP). In Magre’s junior year last spring, she once again landed on the Class 6A All-State team, while being lauded as a 6A-West All-Conference 1st Team selection and being tabbed as the Lady Bulldogs Offensive Team MVP for a second straight year.
Magre, who says that her favorite food is Sushi and favorite soccer movie is Kicking & Screaming, is obviously most appreciative of all the amazing support through the years from her parents, Nathanael and Ann-Marie Magre, and older brother, Matthew, who is a 21-year-old junior at the University of Arkansas.
Having closely observed soccer greats around the world, Magre’ favorite soccer player is French superstar Kylian Mbappé, who led his country to a runner-up finish in the 2022 Men’s World Cup that just culminated late last fall.
While Magre the athlete is passionate about excelling when she suits up for the Lady Bulldogs soccer team, as a student walking the hallways of Fayetteville High School and focusing on priorities in the classroom, her favorite subject is studying history.
Q & A
What made you decide to try, play soccer?
My parents signed me up as a little kid and I’ve been in love with the game ever since.
What do you enjoy most about playing soccer and what about this sport, this game makes being on the field and competing so much fun, and so enjoyable?
The team aspect of soccer is what makes it the most enjoyable, in my opinion. Everyone has their responsibilities that they must complete to help the team be successful. And seeing everyone’s tiny success build into one big success as a team is a big part of what makes soccer so much fun.
At the specific position that you’ve played the most, what do you believe have been the greatest factors in your success?
As a center-forward, it is my job to be the connector between the midfielders and the other forwards. In the past, I played both basketball and soccer, and being a former point guard has greatly impacted my vision on the soccer field and my ability to see plays forming before they happen. Other than scoring, I also must make runs to receive the ball and then play the other forwards, while helping set them up to score. My successes in this area stem from me playing center-midfield for most of my soccer career. Playing midfield has granted me the ability to make precise passes and set my teammates up for success.
What are the challenges for you personally to be successful at the position you play?
As a striker, I must take on people one on one which, against talented defenders, can be challenging. I’ve had to acquire a lot more skills and then add them to my repertoire to help me be able to beat my defender.
Overall, what are the challenges to playing soccer and being successful in this sport?
The primary challenge of playing soccer is that to be successful, everyone must be on top of their game. So often, making sure everyone is focused and attentive is one of the most difficult things in this sport.
What do you believe, overall, is important to succeed individually and collectively with a team in this sport?
You must be able to problem-solve in soccer. Often, many problems arise within a short period, so everyone must quickly work together to find and present solutions. Because of this, I have found that my leadership and communication skills are instrumental and crucial for mine and my team’s success.
Who is the one person who has been most influential to you thus far in your growth and improvement as a soccer player over the years?
Anthony Delao has been my trainer, club coach, and mentor all throughout my high school career. He is the reason I have transformed into the soccer player that I am today.
What is your favorite memory so far during your high school career, either individually or as a team?
My favorite memory with my team was going undefeated and winning the state championship during my sophomore year. Our team’s bond and commitment to each other was simply outstanding and nothing like I’ve ever experienced before.
What makes you most proud and thrilled about how your game has evolved and improved from when you first began to where you are today as a senior in high school?
I feel that as I have aged and matured, I have stepped into a leadership role on my team and watching the growth of my high school team each year under my guidance has made me most proud. Obviously, my skills and scoring ability have grown with more experience, and being able to score when my team needs me to do so is also a thrilling aspect of the evolution of my game.