Leaving her high school days behind, 2009 Coal City High School graduate, Lauren Budde, now attends Joliet Junior College.
From sophomore to senior year, Budde played for her high school softball team and also played softball outside of school. Her position was left and right center outfield.
She was on several outside teams such as New Lenox Lighting Softball Team, Morris Magic, T-ball and two years of travel ball.
"I loved being out on the field and being a part of a team," said Budde. "And the competition was great!"
Coming to an end with softball and high school, Budde attends JJC for a few reasons. "It’s so much closer to home, affordable, and I really like the JJC community," said Budde.
She hopes to accomplish her goal of an Associate’s Degree in Child Education. She would like to specialize in becoming a kindergarten teacher.
"I really like kids and I look forward to being able to work with them and teach them so many things."
After JJC, Budde plans on transferring to a four year college, but isn’t exactly sure where she would like to transfer to. She wants to remain local and is considering the University of St. Francis or Lewis University.