The transition to college for many students is filled with social and academic adjustment.
For freshman forward Lauren Woods, the transition from high school to college basketball began with adversity. Woods, though, responded to challenges on the court with hard work and determination.
Head women’s basketball coach Shimmy Gray-Miller said Woods transitioned to the college game slower than Gray-Miller expected, but is making great progress.
“I recruited her so hard that I might have set the bar too high initially,” Gray-Miller said. “Lauren is right where she should be. Her game has improved since earning her starting spot, and she is maturing.
Coming out of high school, junior center Amanda Kemezys said Woods struggled in the transition to college ball, but that she has responded well over time.
“She got stronger in weight room and smarter on the court,” Kemezys said. “She’s very lanky and long, and she uses that well to be a really good defender. She gives us a lot of minutes now and provides spark to the team.”
Gray-Miller said Woods now understands that, in order to succeed at this level, she has to work harder than she has ever worked before.
“Lauren can impact a game on both ends of the court with her speed, poise and athleticism. Her potential to be great on defense allows us to begin the transformation of becoming a defense-oriented team,” Gray-Miller said.
In a recent game against University of Tennessee-Martin No. 20, Woods led all scorers with a career-high 20 points. Woods credits her success to a combined team effort.
“I am surrounded by great coaches and teammates,” Woods said. “With their help, I am beginning to adjust to the learning curve and picking up on the key differences between college and high school ball.”
Woods said the level of competition on the collegiate level is stiffer than at Belleville East High School. She said the speed of the game is faster and the athletes are stronger and more talented. She also said that her agility and speed have allowed her to make a smooth adjustment to the new level of play.
“Our system of play has meshed well with my talents,” Woods said. “We like to move the ball quickly and get up and down the court. You are surrounded by great players on all sides; I enjoy the challenge.”
During her senior year, Woods led the Lady Lancers to a 24-6 record with 16 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.45 steals per game. MidStateHoops.com, a website that recognizes up-and-coming players in Illinois, named her a top-25 senior in women’s basketball.
Kemezys, a high school teammate, has helped Woods in her transition process.
“Even before arriving at [Saint Louis University], Amanda and I were good friends,” Woods said. “Our friendship has helped me transition on and off the court, and I am learning a lot from her and my other teammates.”
In addition to her talents on the court, Gray-Miller said Woods adds comic relief to the team in light of the team’s intense practices and workout sessions.
“She is an undercover comedian and probably the funniest person on the team,” Gray-Miller said. “She does great, dead-on impersonations of the team, staff, people we meet in airports and just about everybody.”
Woods said she wants to take advantage of everything this year has to offer.
“I want to learn as much as possible, be the best teammate and do well academically,” Woods said. “When I leave Saint Louis University, I want to be able to say that I accomplished my goals and left without any regrets.”
Gray-Miller said she is excited to watch Woods’ transformation as a player.
“I expect Lauren to be one of the best leaders and defensive players Saint Louis University has ever seen,” Gray-Miller said. “She has the potential to play at the next level; she has the athleticism, IQ, work ethic and prowess to excel. Lauren’s potential is unlimited, but it is up to her what she makes of it.”
