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For Lauren Kassawara, choosing a college meant finding a place where she could pursue her academic interests, continue playing the sport she loves and experience something completely new.
This fall, the Seal Beach, California, native began her journey at the University of Wisconsin-Superior as an environmental science major and one of the first members of the Yellowjacket women’s lacrosse team.
Finding UW-Superior Through Lacrosse
Kassawara first discovered UW-Superior during her college search through SportsRecruits, a recruiting platform she used while exploring opportunities to continue her lacrosse career at the collegiate level.
“My coaches from Frenzy LC lacrosse club helped me look for colleges,” she said. “That’s how I found UW-Superior through my lacrosse recruiting app.”
After learning about the university, she visited campus and quickly felt at home.
“My initial thoughts about the campus were that it was very clean and nice, with old brick buildings,” Kassawara said. “Everyone in the community was very nice. They warned me about the winter, but they also told me how fun it would be.”
Looking Ahead to a New Adventure
As move-in day approached, Kassawara was eager to begin her college experience and settle into her new community on campus.
“I was so excited to meet my roommate and get to know my living community on the Recreation Outdoors floor,” she said.
Like many students preparing to move away from home, she admits there is one thing she does miss.
“The only thing I’m nervous about is missing my cat,” Kassawara said.
Even so, she is looking forward to all the opportunities that come with starting a new chapter and making connections with fellow students.
A Passion for Environmental Science
Kassawara plans to major in environmental science, a field that aligns with her interests and offers opportunities to study and protect the natural world.
As she begins her first semester, she already has a clear set of goals.
“My goals are to be on time to practice and make friends,” she said.
Between classes, athletics and campus activities, Kassawara hopes to build strong relationships and establish a routine that supports both her academic and athletic success.
Building a Support Network
Throughout the college transition process, Kassawara said the support she has received from UW-Superior faculty and staff has made a lasting impression.
“Everyone I met at SOAR was very helpful and welcoming,” she said.
She specifically thanked women’s lacrosse coach Hilda Nuutinen, counselor Caitlin Dailey and Ryan Dunn for helping make her transition to UW-Superior a positive experience.
Experiencing Four Seasons
Coming from Southern California, one aspect of life in northern Wisconsin stands out above all else: the weather.
“I’m excited to experience some real seasons since I basically wear flip-flops every day,” Kassawara said. “I’m looking forward to the snow. And somebody told me about a fog wall [on Lake Superior], and I really want to see that because I like weather and storms.