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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons' Hoffman Excels Academically
August 10, 2007 | Softball
Aug. 10, 2007
By ELLEN SIPP, Sentinel Sports Writer - In a time where many college athletes put athletics before academics, there are always some exceptions.
For Lauren Hoffman, her studies have always come first.
The 2003 Napoleon High School graduate juggled a full-time academic schedule and was a member of the Bowling Green State University softball team the past four years.
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In recognition of her efforts, Hoffman was recently nominated as the NCAA's Woman of the Year. The award honors athletes who have excelled in academic and athletic achievement, while demonstrating service and leadership.
"I take my academics very seriously," she said. "It was a great surprise to be nominated. I wasn't expecting to be. I'm just greatly honored to have gotten this far."
The 22-year-old integrated mathematics major was contacted by the campus' Office of Student-Athlete Services in May to fill out the award's application, but never imagined she would be nominated.
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Hoffman has certainly demonstrated the three prongs of the award throughout her athletic and academic career.
A four-year softball letterman in high school, she also earned a pair of letters in volleyball as a defensive specialist.
At BG, Hoffman saw action behind the plate and in the outfield. In her final campaign, she was primarily a pinch-hitter, garnering a double and three RBI.
Her career highlights also included her first home run in 2006, followed by a game-winning RBI the next day.
"That home run was an amazing feeling. I've always wanted to do that in college, as does every player," she said. "I think it was just a mark of my hard work and dedication."
After her last season, BG head coach Shannon Salsburg gave Hoffman the Orange and Brown award, as the player who exemplifies the living definition of a Falcon.
"I think my coach gave me the award because I have the academic values she looks for in a player and that is very important to her," she said. "I didn't play as much as most but I stuck with it, was dedicated, and had fun."
In the classroom, Hoffman had a 3.96 grade-point-average in the fall semester and will graduate this December.
She was a two-time recipient of the James Robert and Gretchen Overman Scholarship for achievement in mathematics, a Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and was named to the Mid-American Conference Honor Roll.
Hoffman was also named the BGSU Scholar Athlete of the Year, inducted into Phi Eta Sigma and Kappa Delta, and was a guest speaker at the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference.
"I've really been blessed with a lot of awards," she said.
In her limited spare time, Hoffman volunteered as a coach for a Napoleon girls travel softball team from 2003-2007.
"I've always wanted to be a teacher and I really want to coach when I start," she said. "It's so rewarding to watch the girls grow and get better while enjoying the game."
Hoffman believes much of her success is the result of open communication and time management.
"I really communicated well with my professors to let them know when I would be missing class and what was going on. It's important to have that communication with them," she said.
She also credits the Office of Student-Athlete Services for helping balance a hectic schedule.
"The office helped me tremendously and was there whenever I need it," Hoffman said.
