Bobby Lauman

Freshman Profile: Bobby Lauman
By: Sue Kahrs
Class of 2000

Bobby Lauman, an incoming freshman, was not looking for Erskine College, but Erskine found him.

"I was contacted by Coach Pollonais about playing soccer at Erskine. I jumped at the chance to play at a small school where I could really contribute."

Pollonais says that Lauman will be a positive addition to the program. "With his great work ethic and understanding of the game he will fit in well and help to take us to the next level."

Lauman is a native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and graduated from Collins Hill High School, where he played soccer, ran cross-country, and was also active in the Beta Club and church activities.

While his initial attraction to Erskine was to a growing soccer program and an inspiring coach (Pollonais was named the Carolinas-Virginia Men’s Coach of the Year), Lauman will enjoy the benefits of a small, Christian liberal-arts institution far from the traffic of a life he was used to.

"I went to a big high school and like the small town atmosphere of Due West. I’m looking forward to everything being close together."

This summer Lauman has no big trips planned (in previous summers he has played soccer in Europe against teams from Ireland, Germany, and Russia), but will be working at Toys-R-Us, and training for the upcoming soccer season.

"I know fitness is a big part of getting ready for college soccer–I’ve been working with a speed trainer, running, and playing indoor soccer all summer."

While 80 percent of the student population at Erskine is from South Carolina, an out-of- state grant as well as other scholarship opportunities help to welcome students from all over the country.

Lauman will not be coming from as far away as some (the incoming class will include residents of Missouri, Maine, and Trinidad), but will be close enough to allow his parents to see him play collegiate soccer.

Aside from athletics, he is considering majoring in math, but may fall among the undecided–a popular major at Erskine. "I’m not sure what I want to focus on, academically, I’m just excited about the whole process — I can’t wait to get to campus."

Along with running shoes and cleats, and lots of practice clothes, Lauman will bring a bit of advice he says has helped him through the years. "I’ve learned that staying out of trouble is the best thing to remember in all circumstances–it’s has helped me get where I am today."