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cavalier profile LAUREN VANASSCHE Fourth-Year • Softball When Lauren VanAssche arrived at Virginia as a first-year outfielder/infielder for the 2020-21 aca- demic year following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was as a heralded recruit with a bright future. But the path we think life will take doesn't always lead where we expect. A top-100 recruit nationally out of high school, VanAssche tore the labrum in her throwing shoul- der before ever getting a chance to play for the Hoos that first season. She redshirted and the playing career she expected was derailed — but a new door opened. Always planning on a career in athletics, she found a new passion as she went through treat- ment and rehabilitation for her injury. "Being around Kelly Martin and the athletic training staff really opened my eyes," VanAssche said. "Once I started my throwing program a few months after my surgery, I realized with the treat- ment I received and the bonds built with me that I wanted to go in that direction after researching the profession more. My love for the field just grew." VanAssche put her energy into kinesiology and has been accepted to the master's program for athletic training at UVA. But she's still found ways to contribute to the Cavaliers, even if it isn't always in the exact way she expected upon signing with the program. She's played in more than 100 games for the Cavs, despite battling injury over the past four seasons, and embraced whatever role is needed. Through March 18, she was batting at a .243 clip for her career with 26 RBI and 11 stolen bases. VanAssche credits the coaching staff and her teammates for finding ways to keep her involved. "Just knowing the coaches are open to me playing in any role I possibly can [has been big]," VanAssche said. "Whether it's a start, as a pinch runner or just even a late game sub, they've done a great job of incorporating me as soon as I've been cleared to compete. "My teammates have done a great job of sup- porting me and keeping me as a part of the team. It's mostly because of the connections built off the field, and everyone has done a really good job with that." She's enjoying her final season with the Hoos and looking to help the program build toward the future, but also excited for the opportunity in grad- uate school that will begin this summer — even if it's not the opportunity she expected when she made her commitment to Virginia four years ago. — Bill Bunting • Photo courtesy UVA SPRING 2024 33