Canton Patch Athlete of the Week: Lauren Berman

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: LAUREN BERMAN – Junior

NAME OF TEAM: Canton High School Girls Soccer Team

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: “Lauren is an incredible and athlete. She is as hard a worker as I’ve ever seen. Her competitive nature and ability to step up in tough situations make her a born leader, and (that) is why she is a captain and only a junior. She is the most feared player in our league and continues to excel even being double-teamed. She is a major reason for our success and she sets the bar so high for herself. She is always seen running and is as dedicated an athlete as I’ve ever coached. She is a great person who is respected by her teammates, opponents, teachers and entire school, and we’re fortunate to have her back for another year.” -Paul Turner, Canton High Girls Soccer Coach

WHY IS SHE THE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lauren Berman led the team and the Hockomock League in scoring this season as a junior captain, and recently received post-season accolades as the Hockomock League MVP, leading the Bulldogs to the Division-2 State Title Game. Lauren was also selected to the Eastern Massachusetts, State and All-New England All-Star Teams.

FAVORITE CAREER ATHLETIC MOMENT: The last three years, Lauren’s Club Team, the Scorpions, have qualified for Nationals, but advanced the furthest in 2010 when the team traveled to Kansas to compete against the best teams in the country.

STATISTICS: Lauren compiled 33 goals and 11 assists for 44 points this past season and through three years on the varsity team she now has 90 goals and 22 assists for 112 career points.

OTHER ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Lauren played for Canton’s Basketball team as a freshman and sophomore, but this winter will run Indoor Track. With all the running she has done to train for soccer, Lauren was a member of last year’s Spring Track Team and in her first (sophomore) year won the Division-3 State Championship in the mile. This was an amazing accomplishment for her first year on the team.

FUTURE GOALS: Lauren wants to play Professional Soccer and is very passionate for the game. Lauren is also an honor student, but is undecided on a college major.

COLLEGE CHOICE: Lauren has already committed to attend the University of Maryland and play soccer.

NEXT UP: The Winter Track season at Canton High.

WHATS ON YOUR IPOD: Lauren enjoys all types of music.

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL: Lauren enjoys spending time with her family (mother, father, older sister and older brother) and friends and also enjoys running.

FINAL COMMENTS: “I have worked very hard and I’m very determined and very competitive and I want to become a professional soccer player," Lauren said. "I wouldn’t have had any success without the help and support of my teammates, coaches, teachers and friends and especially my family and I’m very thankful and fortunate."