Lauren Bayne, a Hall o’ Famer in every way. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
She is class, personified.
Owner of a big brain, a strong work ethic, and a killer instinct when engaged in athletic battle, Lauren Bayne never asked for the spotlight, never screamed for recognition.
She just went out, kicked some fanny (almost always while radiating great joy), then ambled off to support her teammates, friends, and classmates.
Lauren was a pro’s pro, and, like older brother Josh, let the results largely speak for themselves.
She carried herself with calmness, grace, a quiet strength … and great class, always.
Three years after Lauren’s graduation from Coupeville High School, a look back at her Wolf athletic career reveals she accomplished much.
As a middle schooler, she played volleyball and basketball with panache, while also competing in gymnastics.
Once she stepped through the doors of CHS, Lauren locked on to soccer and track, however, playing four years in both sports.
On the soccer pitch, she was a calming influence on her squad, rising to captain status, and earning that distinction multiple times over.
Bayne and fellow Wolf soccer captain Sage Renninger enjoy Senior Night festivities. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
Lauren did the dirty work, and did it with a spring in her step, anchoring the Wolf defense — a unit which gelled around her.
She would not be pushed around on the field, fighting for every 50/50 ball, constantly encouraging her back line mates to fight with the same conviction she always showed.
Through it all, what lingered longest was the class she showed, as when she hailed her teammates in her Senior Night speech.
“Our little soccer family is the best, and I’m so glad to have become friends with everyone and to get to play with you,” Lauren said in the moment.
“Most of all, my defenders, we have worked our butts off and the new defensive line this year has been killer.
“So, kisses to my back line!”
Lauren’s strength, her inner fire, and her class were all on display during her days in Coupeville’s track and field program, as well.
Bayne and Danny Conlisk, state track meet veterans. (Dawnelle Conlisk photo)
Never afraid to try something new, she competed in 11 different events over the course of four seasons — jumping, throwing, and running with wild abandon.
There was little Lauren wouldn’t try, as she ran on relay teams, tried distance running, did a sprint or two, and hurled throwing implements into the great wide open.
And she was good, often really good, in whatever she tried.
During her CHS track career, Lauren registered wins in the high jump, 3200, triple jump, and 4 x 400.
Twice she qualified for state, making it to the big dance in the high jump as a junior, before making a return trip to Cheney as a javelin thrower during her senior season.
In her final moments as a high school athlete, Lauren went out with a bang, setting a PR in the javelin and putting an emphatic stamp on her prep days.
Her throw, which smashed down onto the Eastern Washington University turf after traveling 109 feet, two inches, was almost 10 feet better than the best throw by any other Wolf girl over the past decade.
The queen of the booster club’s crab feed fundraiser. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
Then, she moved on, off to see what adventures awaited off-Island, ready to amaze and inspire while chasing real-life dreams.
Whatever path Lauren follows in her post-CHS days, I am confident she will find great success.
She is smart, kind, very strong, and always willing to put in the work. Plus super-classy, if we haven’t already mentioned that multiple times.
Back here in Cow Town Lauren will be remembered for all she accomplished, and the manner in which she reached her goals.
Today, she joins her brother, Josh, in the Coupeville Sports Hall o’ Fame, welcomed into our lil’ digital shrine.
From now on, when you pop up to the top of the blog and look under the Legends tab, you’ll find her hanging out there.
A class act who deserves everything good which comes her way.
Always reaching for the stars. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
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