Division III Week Profile: Lauren Park '24

Division III Week is an annual opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution or conference to recognize the powerful impact of athletics and student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. As part of Division III Week, Wellesley College soccer sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Park (Richmond, Va.) shared her thoughts on the Division III experience at Wellesley College.

What made you choose Wellesley College?

After my official visit at Wellesley during my senior year of high school, I knew that Wellesley was a good fit for me. The people I met on my visit were all so genuine and seemed to have lots of different passions. Everyone I met was so welcoming and I felt more comfortable than I had at other schools I visited. I could tell that if I was a student at Wellesley, I would be surrounded by people who would support me in whatever I wanted to do. Also, I was of course drawn to Wellesley's BEAUTIFUL campus, countless resources for students, its proximity to Boston, and the wonderful community that is Wellesley Soccer and Wellesley Athletics as a whole :) 

What do you enjoy most about being a Division III student-athlete? 

I really love that I'm able to play the sport I love while also being able to succeed academically and also have a social life! I think being a Division III student-athlete has introduced more balance into my life. It's easy to get overwhelmed by schoolwork and to be glued to your laptop all day, but having time structured into my day where I am not only moving my body but also getting to spend time with my teammates has really helped me feel more balanced and has also has taught me how to manage my time better.

Can you give us a brief description of your major and why you chose it?

I'm a Psychology and Sociology double major! I'm very interested in working with people and working a job where I can connect with others and hopefully improve others' wellbeing. Additionally, the age-old question of "nature vs. nurture" has always fascinated me! So, I thought that these two subjects would do a good job at attempting to "answer" that question.

What are your future plans?

I honestly have no clue :) I'm currently hoping I can stay and live/work up in Boston post graduation. But the easy answer I give is to work with a non-profit organization, but I could see myself working in many different job fields. I just hope that I have a job that fulfills me and that I enjoy.

Are you a part of any groups/clubs on campus?

Aside from Soccer, I am a member of the Student-Athlete Event Planning Committee (SAEC), Psychology Club, and Active Minds.

A fun fact about you!?

I'm a HUGE dog person and have two of my own: they're names are Bailey and Casey! I also love chai tea lattes (sometimes with a shot of espresso too) and my dream is to one day host my own podcast!

Wellesley Athletics strives for excellence at the conference, regional, and national levels, while providing opportunities for students to achieve their potential and learn the values of discipline, leadership, critical thinking, and responsibility to oneself and others.