Aug. 16, 2004
The Notre Dame women’s soccer team’s Freshman Focus series continues with goalkeeper Lauren Karas checking in. Karas is one of four Dallas Texans products to join the Irish program during the past two seasons and has combined with veterans Erika Bohn and Nikki Westfall as part of a stellar defensive effort during the Brazil trip (she allowed just one goal while splitting time with Bohn and Westfall over six games).
The final Freshman Focus will come on Aug. 18, when Southern California girl Ashley Jones steps into the spotlight.
Karas is considered one of the nation’s top goalkeeping prospects, combining her 5-9 presence with good agility and tremendous vocal leadership. She received the Golden Glove Award after saving a slew of shots with the North Texas team at ODP nationals (North Texas lost to a Southern California squad featuring Jones, in a 1-0 title game) and also turned in a strong summer playing alongside several future Notre Dame teammates with the W-League’s Fort Wayne Fever (8-3-1 record, 1.42 goals-against avg., 52 saves, 18 GA).
Lauren Karas played a lead role in Notre Dame’s stingy defensive effort that yielded just three goals in six games during the Brazilian tour.
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Notre Dame Women’s Soccer 2004 Freshman Focus – Entry #3 (Lauren Karas; Aug. 16)
Full Name – Lauren Elizabeth Karas
Hometown – Flower Mound, Texas
Is your hometown known for anything noteworthy? – Nope, nothing exciting.
High School and Club Teams – Flower Mound HS; Dallas Texans and Dallas Sting; North Texas ODP
Family Members – Parents Dan and Denise, younger siblings Brandon and Megan
Number with the Irish – 6 [worn last by fellow Dallas-area native Amanda Guertin]
Anticipated Major – Pre-professional (science)
Nickname – Karas
What was your high school’s nickname, colors and school chant? – Jaguars, Navy and White
Who has influenced you the most as a soccer player? – Ray Russell, my first goalkeeper coach who taught me all the basics
What made you stick with soccer over the years? – It’s fun
Who is your favorite soccer player? – Oliver Kahn
What are your rituals the night before a game? – listen to music
What is your favorite “pump-up” song before a game? – “Tear It Up” by Yung Wun
How would you describe yourself on the field and off it? – Intense but also nice, funny, easy to get along with
Now descrive the other three freshmen who are on this trip with you – Amanda Cinalli is the nicest person you ever will meet. Ashley Jones is a little crazy but really funny. And Jannice Tjeder has a really off-the-wall sense of humor. All of them are AMAZING dancers.
What was your favorite Fort Wayne hotspot? – The movie theater (The Rave) and Coldstone
What are your thoughts on the Brazil trip? – The trip is great for getting to know the team better, on and off the field.
What dorm will you be living in at Notre Dame? – Farley
What is something about you that people may not know? – I was a support runner for the torch in the Salt Lake Olympics
Why is Texas soccer the best? – Because there are so many people
Favorite Food – Mexican
Favorite TV Show – Friends
Favorite Movies – Old School Emperor’s New Groove
Best book you’ve read recently – DaVinci Code
Favorite Actor – Will Ferell