While most soccer players shoot for scoring a winning goal or assiting with a teammates’ triumph of sneaking a shot past a goalie, Cal High senior Lauren Holden has spent the past four years trying to block every opponent’s attempt to do that against her team.
Since her freshman year, Holden has been the starting goalkeeper for the women’s varsity soccer team and a team captain since sophomore year. She has received many awards for her amazing skills, including being named MVP of the EBAL last season.
But none of that compares to her most recent accomplishment of earning a scholarship to play soccer at the University of Oregon in the fall.
Although she currently plays for Mustang Blast during club season, Holden was goalie for San Ramon Azuri, and has attended several regional soccer camps.
She has played soccer since age four and still considers it her favorite activity.
“I love the thrill of when my team scores a goal and making a big save,” said Holden. “The hardest part is all the prep for games, but when it comes to the actual games, it’s fun.”
In order to be in peak condition, Holden trains with Cal’s team four days a week during the school season, usually two days of practice, and two game days.
She also has private goalie training once or twice a week for maintaining and improving her goalkeeping skills.
During the club season, Holden practices with her team three times a week.
Cal’s varsity soccer coach Lee Munson said Holden has missed only two games during her high school career. Munson thinks her dedication has paid off.
“She is the best goalkeeper I’ve ever coached here at Cal High,” said Munson, who has been Cal’s coach for 19 years.
On the field, Holden is very determined and focused.
“She loves the game and her teammates and always wants to do her best, so she turns on the intensity when she is out there,” said Holden’s mom, Angela, who noted that her daugher also has a lighter side.
“Lo (Lauren) is very mild-mannered at home and very funny with us and her friends,” she said.
Holden’s friends describe her as passionate, constructive, and funny as well.
“She’s very upbeat and gets us working hard,” said senior Alyssa Holsworth, Holden’s teammate and longtime friend.
Senior Rachel Feldman, also Holden’s teammate and friend, believes Holden possesses great leadership qualities.
Holden was introduced to soccer by her dad, who is her inspiration.
“My dad was a goalie, so I followed in his footsteps,” said Holden. “He’s always just been there to support me in everything.”
Holden’s whole family is very proud of her and enjoys watching her games. One of her most exciting games was the NCS semifinals last year against San Ramon Valley because of Holden’s great performance and save of a penalty kick.
One of Holden’s most memorable games is a recent one against Dougherty Valley. During a free kick, Holden made a remarkable “upper v-save” by blocking a ball going into the corner of the goal.
“It is nerve wracking for us to watch her play keeper but she loves it,” said Angela Holden.
Holden’s brother, Joseph, is also very supportive of his sister’s soccer playing.
“I think that it’s good because it gives her a variety in life, and makes it interesting,” said Joseph Holden. “Balancing sports and school is a challenge, but it’s good for her.”
In addition to soccer and homework, Holden finds time go to Lip Sync, church, watch movies with friends, and help younger kids at San Ramon Soccer.
As for the future, she hopes to continue playing soccer.
“It’d be awesome if I could play on the U.S. women’s national team,” Holden said.
For now, though, she is excited to play in college.
“I’m looking forward to traveling with my team to go to other Pac-12 schools,” said Holden.
