Oct. 31, 2003
Forgive native Cincinnatian Lauren Russell for not being enamored with the University of Kentucky at an early age.
“My parents are both UC (U. of Cincinnati) graduates. I loved Bearcat basketball. Then I had a brother who went to Ohio State, so I would play OSU football in the back yard.”
Seven-year old Lauren Russell began playing soccer after watching each of her five older brothers play the sport. It took her a little while to warm to the idea.
“I did not want to play at all. I was terrified, I always watched them play and they would get hit. I finally tried it.
Russell began noticing attention from college recruiters during her junior year at Summit Country Day H.S. in Cincinnati. Russell was aware of the success of Warren Lipka’s 1999 Wildcat squad, so when the Cats came calling, Russell listened.
“I was really excited. Kentucky was close to home and the team was really good, so I was very excited. When I visited the campus, I knew I was going to play here. Nothing felt like Kentucky.”
Four years later, Russell has racked up nine goals and eight assists for 26 points. But one assist that won’t show up on a stat sheet has affected the UK men’s soccer team in a positive way. Russell and Jamal Shteiwi, now a junior for Ian Collins’ men’s team, knew each other from their high school days in Cincinnati. When Shteiwi left Indiana after sitting out a redshirt freshman season, Russell sold him on the benefits of playing at Kentucky. Now in his third season as a Wildcat, Shteiwi is a MAC Player of the Year candidate.
Russell cites added physical strength and confidence as what distinguishes her as a senior from her time as a wide-eyed freshman. Certainly, the UK coaching staff has had a hand in Russell’s development.
“I didn’t realize when I came here what my coaches would mean to me. They’ve been here a long time, and that’s huge. I look around and some girls have had three or four different coaches.”
Russell, an SEC Academic Honor Roll member, is set to leave Kentucky with a psychology degree in tow. When she returns to Cincinnati, the Bearcats and Buckeyes will take a back seat to the Wildcats.
“It’s definitely Kentucky, now.”
