Senior Spotlight: Lauren Schwartz
2/25/2024
In honor of Senior Day, we're putting the spotlight on Washington women's basketball senior Lauren Schwartz to celebrate her time as a Husky.
Lauren Schwartz came to UW three years ago, and immediately exemplified what it means to be a Husky. During her time at Washington, Lauren has been an incredible example of servant leadership at its best. Her voice and love for her teammates and this program has helped build and grow the culture of Husky basketball. In her collegiate career, Lauren has made over 500 field goals and 165 three-pointers. She’s recorded almost 1,500 career points, over 400 rebounds, 300 assists, and 100 career steals! Earlier this season, Lauren was named the 2023 Rainbow Wahine Showdown MVP, helping lead the Huskies to winning the Championship. She has been recognized by the conference for her on-court abilities, being named 2022-23 All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention last season, and off-court work as well, being named to the 2023 Pac-12 Winter Academic Honor Roll. Having already completed her Food Systems, Nutrition, & Health degree, Lauren will be graduating with her Master of Science in Entrepreneurship.
Senior Spotlight: Lauren Schwartz
Why Washington?
Lauren Schwartz came to Washington ahead of the 2021-22 season, joining head coach Tina Langley from Rice.
“Coach Langley was a huge part in why I came to UW,” Schwartz said. “I wanted to be a part of Coach’s building process and help her build that culture.”
Schwartz went on to say she trusted the process of building up a culture with a new team, and with a smile, added, “I think it’s turned out in my favor.”
After arriving in Seattle and touring the campus and facilities, and “learning what UW was all about,” Schwartz knew it was going to be a great fit.
“The campus is beautiful, the academics are high, the people are great here, and women are really supported here,” Schwartz said, ticking off all the reasons she’s loved UW.
What has been your favorite memory (or memories) during your time as a Husky?
The list of memories came out quickly, as Schwartz jumped from one memory to the next, reminiscing over the last few years on Montlake.
From beating Stanford last season, to football games at The Greatest Setting, to the historic WNIT run to the Fab Four the Huskies made last season, Schwartz has fond memories of her time at Washington and the support that’s come with it.
In talking about the win against then-No. 2 Stanford last year, Schwartz reflected on what made that memory so cool, on top of the obvious – it was an exciting upset!
“Who I beat it with. My teammates,” Schwartz said. “It wasn’t about the win. It was celebrating the hard work and the process. It really reflected on who we’re becoming.”
During her time at Rice, Schwartz won the WNIT. To be back in it with the Huskies last year, she said, was a great experience. Prior to the bid, UW hadn’t been in a postseason tournament since the 2016-17 season.
Again, what made it so special came down to her teammates and building a program.
“Just to continue playing with the people I was playing with and making history that hadn’t been made in awhile,” Schwartz said.
In going through all her great memories on Montlake, Schwartz didn’t skip a beat in acknowledging her support system so far from home, including the connection she has with friends of her parents, who live in the area.
“All the support that I’ve found here has been really cool,” Schwartz said. “With my parents’ friends being close, they’ve come to every game since I’ve been here.”
It wasn’t about the win. It was celebrating the hard work and the process. It really reflected on who we’re becoming.Lauren Schwartz
What do you want fans to know about Washington Women’s Basketball?
“That’s a cool question,” Schwartz said, laughing.
“How much time and effort is put into it,” she continued.
Schwartz noted how fans get to see the fun part of all the hard work come game day, and went on to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes – the practices, the scouting, and the off-court chemistry the team creates.
“There’s a bond that can’t be broken, and I hope they can see that on the court,” Schwartz said. “We do love each other and there’s a lot of chemistry. This culture is all about serving one another and loving each other, and each year we’ll just keep on climbing.”
There’s a bond that can’t be broken...We do love each other and there’s a lot of chemistry. This culture is all about serving one another and loving each other.Lauren Schwartz
What is your hope for the program’s future?
There was a long pause after this one was asked. It was obvious to see how much Schwartz cares for and loves this program as she thought about how to answer.
“I hope that they’re successful and prove themselves each year, and eventually they win a championship, because I believe this culture can, and that with what Coach Langley and the staff are building, it can happen,” Schwartz said.
“I hope that they’re successful and prove themselves each year, and eventually they win a championship, because I believe this culture can, and that with what Coach Langley and the staff are building, it can happen,” Schwartz said.
To the people who come in after she’s left, Schwartz went on, “I hope that the people that come in continue to love the culture and fight for the culture and just really enjoy it and are grateful to be here.”
In her three seasons on Montlake, Schwartz has been passionate about helping leave the program better than she found it.
“My whole goal in coming here was helping build this program to what it can become,” Schwartz said. “I knew that it would be hard for me in three years to get it done, but just creating that foundation is something I really wanted to do.”
Goal achieved, Lauren Schwartz.
My whole goal in coming here was helping build this program to what it can become.Lauren Schwartz
How do you hope to be remembered for your time as a Husky?
People will remember Schwartz as passionate, caring, a hard-worker, a true servant-leader…the list goes on.
“I hope that people can see that I really love this program, and I hope that I could help give my teammates the tools to continue building the culture and take over and lead the team,” Schwartz said.
Once a Husky, always a Husky.
Lauren Is…
Lauren's teammates used one word to describe her:
5 Questions With Lauren Schwartz
Get To Know Lauren Schwartz
Number: 2
Position: Forward
Hometown: Union, Ky.
Why did you pick your number?
My 2 sisters and I were born on the 2nd: November 2, April 2, September 2.
Why did you choose UW?
Coach Langley. Also this school is amazing.
What pregame rituals/superstitions do you have?
I have to do a shooting routine before and do my hair and makeup.
Best thing about Seattle or favorite spot?
The water!! And coffee! I love the water and sunsets, Golden Gardens, Gas Works Park.
Song that you would pick if you had to sing karaoke?
“Boyfriend” by Justin Bieber.
Washington Women's Basketball