Carson High’s Hudak signs to play soccer at Southwest Baptist

Carson High soccer standout Lauren Hudak signed a national letter of intent Thursday afternoon to play for Division II Southwest Baptist University in Missouri.

Hudak is the second CHS soccer player to sign with a four-year school. Teammate Valerie Sue Meyer signed with Division I Saint Mary’s College earlier this spring.

Hudak is the second CHS athlete to go to Southwest Baptist, joining football-track standout Asa Carter, who’s just finishing his freshman year there.

“I’ve been looking for a place to play for a long time,” Hudak said after the signing ceremony. “I was trying to find a place that had financial aid and a good nursing program. My family situation is a little complex. I like the school. It’s a small Christian campus, and I liked the atmosphere.

“I think it was a really good fit. When I went for a visit (late April), I thought I blended in well with the girls.”

And, Carter gave the school a thumbs up.

“He really likes it,” Hudak said. “Being in an atmosphere with Christians is very important.”

Megan Link, the Southwest Baptist University head coach, saw Hudak on film but had never seen her play in person.

“Lauren will add to our attack for the 2017 season,” Link said. “Her work ethic and technical ability will be a great addition to our team.

“Lauren reached out to me expressing interest in our university and women’s soccer program. After meeting her and talking with her coaches, I knew she would fit in with our team and help this program continue to grow. We are excited to have her be part of this program.”

Hudak’s club coach, Jerry Meyer, believes she can make the jump to the next level.

“I know they are looking for an outside wing forward who can beat players 1-on-1 on the outside and set up teammates,” Meyer said. “I think she can do that. She led our club team in assists the last two years.”

“That (outside wing) is where I hope to be,” Hudak said. “You need speed down the sideline. That is what the coach is looking for, and I really enjoy doing that and then getting a good cross to the forwards.”

Hudak said she wants to get better at 50-50 balls; controlling the ball out of the air,

Hudak plans to become a nurse.

“I want to follow in my mother’s footsteps,” Hudak said. “She was a great person.”

Hudak’s mother, Victoria, passed away from pancreatic cancer in August 2014.

Hudak said she will concentrate on required courses her first two years at Southwest Baptist and then start on her two years of nursing school.

“I really like science; biology and chemistry,” Hudak said.

Hudak said that had she not been able to continue her soccer career, she would have enrolled in Nevada’s nursing program in the fall.