Lauren Kardos Set For Next Chapter with Grove City College Golf

Photo courtesy of North Allegheny Athletics.

From having a plastic set of clubs as a little girl to now being an incoming player for the Grove City College Wolverines, it’s been a fun ride for North Allegheny senior Lauren Kardos.

The Wexford native got her start at a local course called Clover Hill and learned to play after spending many days out on the course with her dad. “I immediately fell in love with the sport because of the challenges that golf presents,” she said. “I was in group lessons at Pine Creek with Gregor Meyer, who taught me the fundamentals I needed to become a better golfer. I joined US Kids golf, which I loved. There was fun competition and I enjoyed meeting new people through it.”

While there were times in her life that golf became less of a focus, she would always find her ways back to the sport. The biggest shift was after an ankle surgery in eighth grade that kept her out of competitive sports for months. In the summer leading up to ninth grade, she dedicated her time to making the varsity golf team at North Allegheny. Now four years later, she became a four year letter winner and was a top three golfer for her sophomore through senior seasons.

Kardos leaves North Allegheny having won two section titles and helping the program to place third in 2022. In her senior season, she averaged a 40 for nine holes and an 83 for a full 18. She also finished with five rounds of even par (35) and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the individual PIAA state championships.

Photo courtesy of Joy Manesiotis.

In the classroom, she’s been a four year Scholar Athlete and even enrolled in her first college course through Grove City in December. Currently, she has a 3.4 grade-point average and was selected as a North Allegheny High School Student of the Month. Kardos is also the recipient of the North Allegheny Federation of Teachers Scholarship for future educators as a part of the North Allegheny Class of 2023, participates in the Best Buddies Program, and is a Positive Peer to assist students with disabilities. These experiences are all helping her to become a future teacher, something she’s wanted to do since she was a little girl.

“Since I was young, I have loved young kids,” she said. I loved playing teacher when I was little with my friends. I have had some teachers in my life who have made a huge impact on me and have demonstrated how to be an educator who inspires and educates their students. I have worked in jobs where I am a leader for the younger ones and I love that. I love having the responsibility and leadership of handling a group of kids. I want to make a difference and have a positive impact on the future of society. I love the idea of having the creativity to create lessons that will keep them engaged and having fun, while learning.”

Looking back to her golf career at North Allegheny, she will cherish the friendships and relationships she’s made with her coaches and teammates most. From playing in the pouring rain, getting ice cream with the team, having bus malfunctions, eating at some interesting establishments, making TikTok’s with her teammates, and playing in big time matches,  her entire high school golf experience is something she will always cherish.

She will always look back on having the chance to play for Coach Joy and Coach Sarah in high school and be thankful for their encouragement, help, and support over the last few years. She also is thankful for Coach Samantha and the other various PGA golf professionals who have helped her with her golf swing. Her trainer at Pure Edge Training, Justin Shal, has also helped her to improve her fitness and take her golf game to another level as of late. But more than the amazing coaches she’s had, the foundation to be successful started at home because of the support from her parents.

“Without their continued love and support, I would not be where I am today. Between driving me an hour or two away to compete in golf tournaments, to chipping in the yard with me, my parents have always been there to help me succeed in the sport I love.”

Photo courtesy of Joy Manesiotis.

Now having the chance to play in college, she’s hopeful that college is as fun as her days as a Tiger. She looks forward to improving her golf game, focusing in on becoming a great educator someday soon, and growing in her faith. 

“As soon as I had a campus tour and saw how beautiful the campus was, how welcoming the staff was and how welcoming the golf coach was, I knew that Grove City was going to be the right place for me to continue my academic journey. The small class sizes were a huge reason for why I chose Grove City. I want to get the most out of my four years in college, and small class sizes will allow me to learn and receive more one-on-one learning with my professors. Grove City believes in fostering a faithful community, providing academic excellence, and they are overall a great school for me to continue my education.”

In the coming weeks, one chapter in Wexford will end, but soon, the next stage of her life will begin as a college golfer in the Presidents Athletic Conference. From a little girl with plastic clubs to Grove City College Wolverine, it’s been a fun and rewarding ride to make it to this time in her life.

Photo courtesy of Joy Manesiotis.