June 2, 2010

BERKELEY - The 2009 season for freshman forward/midfielder Lauren Battung was an exciting one in which she started two games and played in 13. Battung had the assist in Alex Morgan's goal in the eventual 1-1 double-overtime tie against then-No. 11 Santa Clara. CalBears.com had the opportunity to chat with the West Hills, Calif., native who is called "LB" on the pitch, to discuss everything involved in her first semester of college.

CalBears.com: Now that you've got one year of collegiate women's soccer under your belt - what was the best part of the soccer season?
Lauren Battung: The best part was seeing the team come together when the Pac-10 schedule began.

CalBears.com: What was the best part about your fall semester?
LB: Getting to know the other freshmen and enduring together all the obstacles that come with being a first year, then rewarding ourselves with a nice, peaceful trips to the top of the world at Fish Ranch Road in the Berkeley Hills.

CalBears.com: After one semester of college academics, what are you planning on doing differently or the same next semester in terms of school?
LB: I think I will need to be more disciplined in how I balance my priorities. I also want to branch out and try something different. I'm actually doing a hip hop/breaking DeCal, which is a student-run class, with a friend on the lacrosse team that's sure to be a fun challenge.

CalBears.com: What is something you didn't know before you came to Cal but you now know?
LB: I had no idea it cost $60 to replace a bus pass.

CalBears.com: What was the favorite class you took during the fall?
LB: It wasn't a class, but the SAGE (Student Achievement Guided by Experience) Scholars Program was a very rewarding experience. It always felt good to help underprivileged kids and develop friendships with them as we helped them become better students and people.

CalBears.com: What class were you most looking forward to during the spring semester?
LB: My college writing class! It's about underground music and its interaction with and influence on popular culture. When I signed up, I didn't even know what it was about, but I'm glad I was lucky enough to have my first college writing class be about something I'm as passionate about as music.

CalBears.com: Was playing at the NCAA Division I level what you expected or more?
LB: It was much more intense and demanding, but at the same time, more rewarding to feel a college victory. Being injured so much presented a more constant challenge than I was expecting.

CalBears.com: What was it like to balance school and a competitive soccer team at the collegiate level?
LB: It was difficult, but first semester is all about learning and settling in. I think I have a better handle on it now for second semester.

CalBears.com: Has Cal lived up to or has it been different/better than the expectations you had of it when you signed your national letter of intent in high school?
LB: For the most part, it has been even better than I imagined. I knew that Cal would offer me an atmosphere and lifestyle that fit my personality, but it continues to surprise me every day - between the people I meet and the various opportunities presented to me.

CalBears.com: After a very full fall semester, how was your winter break? What was the highlight?
LB: My break was very low key. I went down to San Diego to visit a friend, which was fun. Six hours of driving wasn't as bad as you'd think. It was great to have some time off, but I definitely missed all my roomies!