Ciara Lawrence
Ciara Lawrence made a decision four years ago that changed her life forever. As a senior at Newport Harbor High School in Costa Mesa California, Ciara decided to travel 2,955.25 miles to attend Becker College. She left everything behind to make new friends in a place she wasn't even sure she would enjoy. She decided on Becker College not only because it was on the east coast, but unlike any school in California, she had the opportunity to play field hockey. Ciara almost gave up on New England and its ever changing weather patterns in October of her freshmen year. Ciara thought about moving back to California, "It took some convincing from the field hockey girls and Cathy (Head Athletic Trainer) to get me to stick it out." Ciara is happy that she stuck it out, over time she learned to enjoy the different seasons. The thing that has impressed Ciara the most about New England is their incredible passion for sports. "The energy that Boston fans put into sports is unlike anything you will ever see in California."
Ciara isn't afraid to set high standards for herself and her teammates. She expects the field hockey team to have a winning season and compete for a New England Collegiate Conference Championship. Before her time at Becker is done Ciara wants the underclassmen to consider her a role model for the way that she conducts herself on and off the field. "I feel like as a student athlete, I not only represent my team but I represent the entire school."
Ciara is a person who takes a lot of pride in everything she does. At the age of thirteen she earned a black belt in karate. In her personal life Ciara is dedicated as well. She tries going to temple every Friday night to celebrate her Jewish faith. While her teammates battle it out with Gordon College on October 9th, Ciara will be in synagogue for eight hours during Yom Kippur. "It's tough to balance both especially now that we don't have a backup goalie." Over the past four years Ciara has done a brilliant job balancing life and athletics. Since taking over the starting goal keeper position last year, Ciara has started in net eighteen out of a possible twenty games.
Next year Ciara would like to further her education by working towards her Masters Degree. She will have to decide again whether she wants to stay in New England to attend Nichols College or travel back home to Cal State Long Beach. One thing is for certain, no matter what she does, she will do it with class and dignity.
