After spending most of her younger years training as a gymnast, Lauren Drysch felt she had just the tools she needed to transition into a sprinter.
“I got into it because of my background in gymnastics,” says Drysch of running. “I had the background and training that was necessary to become a sprinter.”
As a four-year varsity member of Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s sprinting team, Drysch has seamlessly made the transition from the gym to the track, finding similarities in the individual and team aspects of both sports.
“I’ve been able to excel as an individual, but I also have the support of my team, and I compete for team titles in addition to individual titles,” says Drysch.
Drysch’s specialties include the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter races, as well as corresponding relay events. When it comes to having a preferred race, Drysch remains committed to being a student of the sport, analyzing the aspect of each one individually.
“For each [race], it takes a different level of strategy,” says Drysch. “They have different tactics and different dynamics to the race, but I’ve found each one to be as exhilarating as the last.”
The 18 year old serves as a captain for the Eagles, and takes pride in how she supports her female teammates. Having earned a 2016 CIF Championship in the 400 meters, as well as helping to lead Santa Margarita to back-to-back CIF Division 3 titles in 2015 and 2016, Drysch is as driven as ever for her senior season.
“Lauren is an incredible athlete and a tremendous leader,” says Santa Margarita girls sprint coach, Sean Zeitler. “What is refreshing about Lauren is that she’s all about what’s best for the team and is willing to make all the sacrifices she needs to in order to make herself the best athlete she can be. She’s been integral in the team chemistry process, and we look for big things from her this upcoming season.”
Off the track, Drysch is a member of National Charity League and National Honor Society, as well as a Student Ambassador on campus, where she gives prospective families insight into her experience as an Eagle.
“It allows me to express my love for Santa Margarita and share all the qualities and opportunities that the school has,” says Drysch of her role as a Student Ambassador.
The Laguna Hills resident has her sights set on running for a Division I collegiate program and studying a field in either science or math. Wherever the road takes her, Drysch lets her faith lead the way.
“I know that in every race I have, God is there to watch over me, help me get through the race, relieve my stress and push me to be the best that I can be,” says Drysch. “I know that I’m always running in his name.”