BY FRED KRONER
Officially, Lauren Schnepper began playing soccer as a third-grader.
In reality, her introduction to the sport was at a much younger age.
The thanks goes to three older brothers.
“They didn’t cut me any slack,” Schnepper said.
She learned to toughen up so as to not be left behind.
When she entered the Mahomet Recreation soccer program in third grade, Schnepper enjoyed the sport so much that she soon joined club soccer programs, beginning and ending with the Mahomet-Seymour Soccer Club, with a stint in between with the Bloomington Fire.
A torn medial collateral ligament the summer before her freshman year at M-S paved the way for a long-term decision.
“At that point, I decided I didn’t want to pursue soccer in college,” Schnepper said, “but I continued to play club soccer in the fall season.”
She was firm in her decision.
Until she wasn’t.
“I ran into a former coach (Brandon Menke) at a graduation party (in May),” Schnepper said. “My mom (Stephanie) and I talked to him a little bit about how I was sad that soccer was over and I was maybe thinking about playing at Parkland.”
One thing led to another.
“He sent a text to the coach,” Schnepper said. “There was one spot left on the roster, so I decided to play.”
Just like that, Schnepper was a member of the Parkland program and is preparing for a fall season that will start in about two weeks.
Schnepper had applied to two colleges, one four-year school (Illinois State University) and one two-year school (Parkland College).
Parkland better met her immediate needs.
“I’m not quite sure what I want to major in, so I decided Parkland was the best route,” Schnepper said. “I’m happy with my decision, but at the same time I think the transition away from home would be OK, too.”
While at M-S, Schnepper was a three-year soccer letter winner (COVID-19 wiped out her sophomore season). She helped the school to regional championships all three years on varsity.
As a senior, the 5-foot-5 Schnepper was the third-leading scorer on a 19-3 M-S team, collecting 13 goals and 12 assists. Her performance earned her a repeat berth on the Apollo all-conference first-team unit.
During her three years on varsity, the Bulldogs had a composite record of 58-8.
A versatile player, Schnepper is comfortable at multiple positions.
“I’ve always been a forward, but in high school Coach (Jeremy) Davis moved me around the field some my junior season,” Schnepper said.
Another coach who had a major impact on Schnepper was Darren Clare, whom she played for with the MSSC.
“Coach Clare was one of my biggest influencers for this sport,” Schnepper said. “His coaching style was just great, and I really enjoyed all of the years I played for him.”
Schnepper can’t wait to get started with the Cobras, where she hopes to help the school snap a streak of four consecutive sub-.500 seasons.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates and coach,” she said.
Parkland’s exhibition opener is scheduled for Aug. 13 at Deerfield against Trinity International.
The Cobras will open their 19-match regular-season schedule at home on Aug. 20 against Illinois Valley Community College.
Parkland was 4-14-1 last fall.
