WPIAL Alum Q&A – Lauren Wolosik

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, February 13, 2017 | 4:03 PM

While injuries are an unfortunate reality in sports, an athlete suffering two severe injuries is extremely rare, and often devastating. Lauren Wolosik has not been deterred, however, by two season-ending injuries in a three-year span. In the midst of a stellar basketball season at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Wolosik, a former champion at North Catholic, is this week’s feature.

Wolosik enjoyed incredible success during her time at North Catholic. She and the Trojanettes appeared in three straight WPIAL championship games, beginning in her freshman year in 2009-10.

The following campaign, the Trojanettes went 21-8, and enjoyed an incredible playoff run. North Catholic bested Sewickley Academy, Aliquippa and Monessen to qualify for the WPIAL Class A title game. In that contest, North Catholic edged Fort Cherry, 49-43, to claim gold. The Trojanettes also made it to the quarterfinals of the PIAA postseason.

In 2011-12, Wolosik was the only non-senior in the starting lineup for North Catholic, and the squad again reached the championship tilt, by defeated West Greene, St. Josephs and Riverview. Vincentian Academy prevailed, however, 54-50. The Trojanettes exacted a measure of revenge later, though, as they defeated the Royals in the PIAA semifinals. North Catholic then came up short in the state finals, falling to Steelton-Highsphere, 66-59.

In her senior campaign, Wolosik put up prolific numbers, although the team took a slight step backwards. In regular-season play, Wolosik averaged approximately 27 points per game, and was named a Second-Team All-State selection. Collectively, North Catholic went 15-11, falling in the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA first round.

Wolosik then continued her playing career at Central Connecticut State, but suffered a serious knee injury just three games into her freshman campaign.

After receiving a redshirt, Wolosik was back on the court in 2014-15, and she made a big impact. She started in all but one of her team’s 32 contests, and she produced more than 5 points and nearly 3 rebounds per game. That season, the Blue Devils went 19-13, making it to the WNIT.

Wolosik elected to return closer to home following two years in Connecticut, though, and transferred to IUP for the 2015-16 season. She started the first four tilts for the Crimson Hawks, but again sustained a season-ending injury.

Showing her resilience, Wolosik has not only returned to the floor this season, but has been a standout for IUP. She has started all 22 contests, averaging 12.5 points and 4 rebounds per game, and dishing out a team-best 78 assists. She also scored a season-high 29 points in a victory against Slippery Rock earlier this month. The Crimson Hawks have won six consecutive affairs, and boast a record of 18-5.

Lauren took time from her play to answer questions about her injuries and recovery, her best memory at North Catholic, and her favorite TV show.

Q: How good does it feel to be back on the court and healthy this season?

A: It feels amazing to be back on the court. After sitting out for two of the past three years, it just feels really good to be back doing what makes me happy. When something is taken from you and then you get it back, your level of appreciation and gratitude really increases.

Q: What were your specific injuries, and what was the rehabilitation process like?

A: I tore my ACL in both my left and right knee. My left occurred in 2013, and my right in 2015. Rehab was basically nine months of getting stronger and building my muscles again, because you go through a pretty decent amount of muscle atrophy. Rehab was a long process – definitely hard mentally – but my family, teammates, and coaches were with me every step of the way. And when you finally get cleared and are able to play, it is definitely one of the best feelings in the world. Knowing I can come back from two ACL injuries, I am pretty proud of myself and my work ethic.

Q: Even though you weren’t able to play much, were you able to make any strides during the two seasons during which you were injured?

A: I learned a lot about the game when I sat out. I feel as if my basketball IQ rose during the years I was out, because I just learned so much.

Q: What is your greatest asset to the team?

A: I think my greatest asset to my team is my work ethic. After going through two surgeries, I definitely have a greater appreciation for the game. I’m just happy to be healthy and playing, so I always give 100 percent in what I’m doing, whether it is games or practices. I’m definitely dedicated and determined, so my best asset is just the way I’m willing to work for my team.

Q: You started your college career at the DI level at Central Connecticut State. Why did you decide to transfer?

A: I wanted to be closer to home. I wanted to be with my family and share my basketball experience with them, and it’s hard to do that eight hours away.

Q: What stood out about IUP that made it your new destination?

A: IUP is a special place; the coaches and girls on the team really embraced me, and instantly I knew this is where I wanted to be and experience college basketball. The opportunities for growth, not only on the court but off the court, are immense here at IUP.

Q: What is your major and ideal future profession?

A: I’m an economics major with a minor in business administration. Since I still have eligibility because of my redshirt seasons, next fall I will start my MBA at IUP.

Q: What has been your favorite class thus far in college?

A: We have a really awesome economics professor at IUP, James Jozefowicz, and I always enjoy his classes. I’m currently taking advanced econometrics, and even though half the time it makes me stressed, I definitely am learning some really interesting stuff.

Q: North Catholic had great success while you were there. What was your favorite high school memory?

A: One of my favorite memories from high school was being able to play with my sister for three years. My junior year, we made it to the state finals; even though we lost it was an amazing experience and even better that I got to share it with my sister.

Q: Have you been to the new high school in Cranberry yet?

A: I have, I workout there in the summer. It is a lot different than Troy Hill lol.

Q: Do you listen to any particular songs or type of music before games?

A: No, I usually don’t listen to music before the games.

Q: Who is your celebrity dream date?

A: I don’t really have a celebrity crush

Q: What is your favorite TV show, past or present?

A: Parenthood! I’m watching This Is Us right now, but Parenthood is still better in my opinion.

Q: What is a little-known fact about you, or hidden talent you possess?

A: I can cook!

Tags: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, North Catholic