Lauren Haas is Athlete of the Season

Congratulations to senior soccer sensation, Lauren Haas, for being named The Rune’s first ever Athlete of the Season. Haas was nominated for Athlete of the Season by The Rune staff, and voted on by the student body.

Even though Haas’s season ended on November 5, her achievements all season long earned her the recognition from her peers. The Sacred Heart soccer team lost to Owensboro Catholic in the semifinals of the KHSAA State Tournament. Haas, who played defense and midfield, does not plan to continue to play in college. However, she looks back on her 13 year soccer career fondly. Regarding Wednesday’s game, Haas stated, “although we fell short, it was a great experience to make it so far in the tournament.” The team finished the season with a 26-3 record. With so many wins to choose from, Haas said her favorite game was earlier this year, “When we beat Assumption in the regional finals in the second round of penalty kicks and dog piling on top of our goalie, Sarah Stodghill.” Haas proves to be a team player, and reported her greatest achievement was a group effort- going to the state final her freshman and junior years.

The seniors on the Sacred Heart soccer team are extremely close, as they play together year round on the Javanon ‘97 team. “I’m so sad I can no longer play alongside my best friends. It all went by way too fast,” Haas said. Senior Annie Heironimus said, “Lauren is an extremely tough and determined player. I have been playing with her for eight years now, and she has consistently been strong on the field. She is the best teammate I have ever had because she’s a great leader. I know I can count on her on and off the field.” Haas stated, “I’ll miss my teammates more than anything.”

When Haas found out the student body voted for her, she said, “SHA is full of amazing athletes, and I am very grateful for the teammates, coaches, and friends here that support me.” Haas’s success goes beyond the soccer field, and even though she will no longer be playing soccer, she will stay busy. As an active member of the National Honor Society and Habitat for Humanity Club, Haas will have a full plate as she balances her AP and IB classes. Haas plans to attend either the University of Kentucky or the University of South Carolina, where she will study biology in preparation for entering the medical field.

While Haas and the rest of the soccer team are sad to see the season come to an end, she will always have good memories of high school soccer. Haas said, “Sacred Heart soccer has been the best part of my high school years.”