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Lauren Stimaker Looks Back on Time as Lady Falcon; Balancing Club Basketball and Studies Towards Physician Assistant
Lauren Stimaker is a junior at Penn State University and a native of Coudersport, Pennsylvania. The former Lady Falcon was a standout in basketball, track and field, and volleyball.
She was a member of multiple District 9 titles in basketball, with her team making it to the Elite Eight in 2020 before COVID-19 disrupted their quest towards a state title.
Her senior year was the sweetest of the titles she won as the Lady Falcons won the game with just a few seconds left. Considered underdogs against a North Clarion program that was and continues to be no slouch in District 9, they defeated the She-Wolves 42-40 before winning their next two games in states.
Stimaker also helped break the Coudersport record in the 4×400 meter relay at the District 9 meet during her sophomore year and added personal accolades of being a North-Tier League All-Star in basketball as a senior, being selected to play in the Big 30 game her senior year that unfortunately was cancelled, and being named Rotary Female Athlete of the Year at Coudersport High for the 2020 class.
But, all titles and accomplishments aside, the long bus rides, friendships with teammates and coaches, and connections she made from opponents is what she enjoys looking back on most.
Deciding to forego any opportunity to play varsity college sports, she chose to be a Nittany Lion because of the biobehavioral health program and the vast amount of options grads can take in their careers. For her personally, she wants to become a Physician Assistant after she completes her degree in 2024.
Going to Penn State did not mean sports were completely over for her as she decided to get involved in the women’s club basketball team. The team practices two or three times per week all year long and heads to tournaments in bordering states and even hosts events of their own.
Over two years at Penn State, she’s made friends that will surely last a lifetime. The sense of community is something you can feel in a college town like State College. She had this to say about her first four semesters.
“My time at PSU has been amazing so far. I’ve met my best friends and I’ve had so many great experiences and opportunities already. I’m looking forward to what these next 2 years bring for sure. The sense of community at PSU is huge. I definitely feel at home and everyone is very welcoming.
The sports also make the campus come together too and I love the community aspect felt through them. The football games are one of my favorite parts of PSU for sure.”
Lauren Stimaker is in an exciting part of her life. With great friends by her side, a solid career choice narrowed down, and a team to be a part of for two more years, there’s a lot of things to be thankful for. Better yet, she’s got people back home that helped make it all possible for her.
“I’m very thankful for all my coaches, mentors and family and for all the support I’ve had over the course of my sports career thus far as they’ve helped shape me into who I am today.”
Best of luck in your remaining two years as a Nittany Lion, Lauren! Thank you for the chance to highlight your accomplishments and plans in healthcare 🧑⚕️ 🏀 🦁
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