On March 5, 2025, junior Lauren Bailey announced her commitment to further her academic and athletic career playing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia. After a hard journey throughout the commitment process, Bailey found her place.
“I committed to Reinhardt because it is perfect for me,” Bailey said. “It is close to home, has an amazing nursing program and I get to play lacrosse alongside one of my best friends.”
Bailey is excited to continue playing with one of her best friends at the collegiate level after almost five years of playing together since elementary school. She is grateful for her faith, friends and family throughout the process.
“My biggest source of support is God,” Bailey shared. “Knowing he has a plan for my future brought a sense of ease to me during the recruitment process.”
Having a sense of hope knowing everything will work out was relieving for Bailey during the stressful recruitment time. It gave her motivation during long hours of studying, self-doubt and rejections. When things got difficult, she reminded herself that her effort would pay off which kept her going.
“The most difficult part of the process was facing rejection from other schools,” Bailey noted. “It can really tear any athlete down hearing ‘no’, but in the end, it helps you as a player and grow as a person.”
Experiencing rejection as an athlete of any kind is difficult, but Bailey found that the setbacks helped her grow as a person and player. She harnessed her rejections as motivation to work harder towards her goals, persevering to find the place meant for her.
“There was definitely pressure knowing other 2026 goalies have committed before me,” Bailey shared. “I did not want to make the wrong choice because this is the next four years of my life, but I am confident that Reinhardt is a great fit for me.”
Bailey can’t wait to work with the Reinhardt coaches and get to know her new teammates, knowing it’s the start of an exciting new chapter in her life.
Bailey shared some advice to other athletes who may be going through the recruiting process, encouraging them to work towards their goals and remain patient.
“Keep working hard no matter what and do not let what other people think affect what you want to do,” Bailey said. “Everyone has their own path…so do not compare yourself to others.”
Bailey’s hard work and dedication paid off and resulted in her finding her perfect college. The commitment journey was noy an easy one, but she is grateful for the lessons she learned along the way. As she heads off to Reinhardt University to pursue her athletic dreams, Bailey is excited to play at the next level.
