University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vol Soccer Alumni Weekly -- Laura Lauter Smith
October 05, 2011 | Soccer
Oct. 5, 2011
We're happy to continue a new feature here at UTLadyVols.com called Tennessee Soccer Alumni Weekly where we'll spotlight former Lady Vol soccer players, asking them a few questions about what they have been doing since college and what their experiences at Rocky Top meant to them. Check back throughout the rest of the season to catch up with some outstanding former Lady Vol soccer alumni.
With Tennessee soccer celebrating its annual alumni weekend over Oct. 7-9 in Knoxville, we'll take a look at several former Lady Vols over the next few days leading up to soccer's kick-off against Ole Miss (Oct. 7 - 7 p.m.)
The latest alumni spotlight shines on former Lady Vol Laura Lauter Smith who played at Tennessee from 1997-2000. The local product out of Farragut, Tenn., played in 68 matches with 56 starts at Rocky Top. With 29 career goals and 17 assists, Smith continues to rank second in the UT record book in career scores, third in points (75) and eighth in career helpers. Her final season in 2000 marked the first at the helm of the program for Head Coach Angela Kelly as the Big Orange went 12-8 overall and 7-2 in league play.
1) What have you been doing since leaving Tennessee?
"After graduating I taught, coached and had a career in sales. I am now a part-time freelance resume writer, amateur interior decorator and full-time mommy to Ella, 5, Kate, 3, and Nora, 20 months. My husband Brian and I have now been married 11 years and recently moved back to Knoxville where he serves on the staff at Northstar Church. Life is good!"
2) What is your fondest memory while wearing the Tennessee Orange?
"Sooo many amazing memories. Our preseason trip to Europe was full of hilarious memories, especially our late night wrestling matches in Germany. Just ask Jen Grubb;) There's also something strangely fond about all of those memories of fitness days, 1v1's and the satisfaction that comes from pushing your body way beyond what you thought you were ever capable of!"
3) What is the one lesson/concept you learned at Tennessee that has helped you the most as you've moved into your post-collegiate career?
"When I played at Tennessee, it was ALL about team. Everyone dug deep to contribute to a cause greater than themselves. That is a HUGE life lesson. Life lived for oneself is often shallow and meaningless, but a life committed and poured out for a cause greater than one's self holds tremendous value."
4) Give your thoughts on what it means to be a part of the Tennessee Soccer program? What it meant to you as a player and what it means to you today?
"It is one of my greatest honors to be part of the Lady Vol family. The women I played with all the way down to the current players are sisters to me. The Tennessee soccer program is just different than most programs. It's about excellence, about true competition, about a deep tradition of being a Lady Vol that was created in the early years of the program, and that I see really embraced now in this current team."
5) Which Tennessee teammates do you still stay in contact with?
"Through Facebook I am able to "see" and keep up with most of my teammates, but I regularly see many of the players here in Knoxville like Jen Grubb, Sharon Groer, Tori Watson, Lisa Wiles, Rachael Webster, Sharon Holmes, Cameron Broome, and others. I've also developed a friendship with some younger Lady Vols like Sarah Van Sickle and Lara Langworthy..."
