Lauren Clem

Classroom

Lauren Clem is a psychology major with a minor in global health studies. She was named Academic All-Big Ten in 2016 and is on track to earn the same honor in 2017, while attending one of the most academically rigorous institutions in the country. She was also named a First Team Scholar All-American by the NSCAA last season. She boasts one of the best GPAs on a team which was honored by the NCAA with an APR Public Recognition award this past year.

Character

Clem has been a leader on the team since she arrived on campus. She was put into the starting lineup in her first year and ever since has become the emotional and vocal leader of the team. She is a captain and a member of the team’s leadership council, responsible for assisting the coaching staff with communication and understanding the pulse of the team. In particular, she is responsible for choosing and gathering votes for a different teammate to receive the “Wildcat of the Week” award each week.

Community

Clem’s presence is felt everywhere in the Evanston community. She is involved in numerous soccer clinics at various parks and schools and provides instruction at AYSO Soccer. Outside of soccer, she participates in Cycle for Survival, reads to children at the local library, volunteers for the Special Olympics, spends time at the Y.O.U. Urban Garden, and cares for Hallie, a young girl the team “adopted.” Clem also promotes healthy living and eating for kids by participating during the Y.O.U. Health Week and volunteering at numerous Fuel Up to Play 60 events. Northwestern’s Assistant A.D. for Community Relations calls Clem “a leader among her peers.”

Competition

Clem is the best goalkeeper in Northwestern history and one of the best active goalkeepers in the entire country. She was named to the 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, given annually to the nation’s top player at any position. She holds 39 shutouts to her name, the most in program history, and continues to climb the national ranks all-time in that category, just four away from the top 10. She was named the 2016 Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year after posting 17 shutouts in 23 matches, leading the entire country in that category, as well as in goals per game and save percentage. Her performance led Northwestern to its first-ever Big Ten championship, the best record in program history (16-3-4) and the second ever trip to the NCAA Round of 16. She was named an NSCAA All-American (third team) for her efforts. The Big Ten named her to its Preseason Honors list for 2017.