"21 Questions with the Knights" is a feature that will run every Tuesday providing a more in-depth view of coaches and staff within the Neumann University Athletics Department. This week the segment will focus on women's soccer head coach Lauren Sciocchetti, who has led the program to six playoff berths in her seven years in charge of the team since 2013.
 
Question 1: What is your favorite Neumann sports memory?
My first season as head coach we played Cabrini and we came back from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 during the regular season. It is still a great memory!

Question 2: Who is your favorite professional athlete (current or retired)?
I love watching Andre Blake, the goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Union. His saves are unbelievably athletic. He looks like he is flying! So many times I see a shot come at him and I think for sure it is a goal and he comes out of nowhere and makes a save. It makes me appreciate how much a good keeper came make a difference on a team to save your butts when things break down. Such a hard job but he always does it with class.

Question 3: What are three favorite movies that you can watch any time?
I'm a huge nerd so probably any of the Marvel movies. I love the escape from reality. I could name my top three in order but then you would really know how nerdy I am!

Question 4: What are some of the last few concerts you have been to?
Last three concerts – Dave Matthews Band, OAR and Hozier. I absolutely love live music. I had a season pass this year to a venue which was going to get me upwards of 40 different concerts. Then the world was turned upside down. Besides the obvious awfulness of this experience, it also makes you appreciate the things you took for granted that you never thought would disappear.

Question 5: What is something unique and interesting about you?
I worked as a social worker in a shelter for women and children for five years prior to coming to Neumann full-time. I have a master's degree in counseling and I wanted to help people. Despite the challenges it was an experience I will never forget and I will never regret. It allowed me a glimpse into the challenges that others face and the struggles that come with being part of a low-income, vulnerable population. It shifted my perspective on the world and made me realize I need to do more to help.

Question 6: How did you find your way to Neumann?
I grew up one town over from Neumann so I was always aware of the school. I coached for 10 years as an assistant at the Division 3 level. When the head coaching position came up at Neumann it seemed like a natural fit.

Question 7: What do you do in your spare time besides working in athletics?
I love spending time with my niece and nephew. It is so fun watching them explore life. Mia is two and Nick is 5 months. Their mom is German so I love watching Mia learn two languages.

Question 8: What is your favorite road trip food stop?
Probably Chipotle but I love trying new things so I tend to take the team to new places if possible when on road trips for NUWS. For myself, I will always try something once because I don't want to miss out on something that could become my next favorite food!

Question 9: Who is the funniest player you have coached?  
Tonia Russo hands down. Such a dedicated player but the things that would come out of her mouth were absolutely hysterical! We always have a Halloween practice and she always had the craziest outfits.

Question 10: Do you have any pets?
One little pup who is 4 months old – Hazel. She is a pandemic puppy and is currently about 5 pounds. I hope she gets bigger!

Question 11: What did you want to be when you grew up?
Well my best friend Julie and I were going to own a farm… I would own a pet store on the farm and she was going to be a marine biologist on the lake we built. That was the plan back in elementary school! During college I started to realize I loved college students as well as college athletics so I always had in mind doing something that could help college athletes be successful in their decision-making process as well as their college experiences. So basically I get to do what I love in working in admissions and coaching!

Question 12: How are you spending your time during the quarantine?
Working a lot but also doing some work at my parents' lake house. It's a good project and change of scenery. We have a lot of renovations to do but the challenge is a fun distraction and allows me to be physically active outside of going for a run by myself!

Question 13: What was your first car?
The first car I drove was your typical 90's soccer mom Dodge Caravan. The first car I owned was a Dodge Neon and I loved that car into the ground after 150,000 miles. Who knew it would last that long!

Question 14: What is your favorite sports memory as an athlete yourself?
My senior year in college scoring two goals against Penn State. Overall, we had a really tough year my senior year. I remember my confidence changing as a senior and that I didn't have to please anyone else because this was it. It allowed me to take more risks and believe in myself more. I remember that game so vividly because I know I played one of my best games in my college career.

Question 15: If you could have one superpower what would it be?
Teleportation. I hate the anticipation of traveling somewhere, I just want to be there. Long bus ride to a game – teleport. Flying to Florida for vacation, nope just teleport! Can't beat it.

Question 16: If you had a time machine would you rewind back to the past or fast forward to the future?
Definitely future. We know what happened in the past. I want to know what the world will look like years down the road. The important thing would be to make all your guesses about what will happen and then see if you are right!

Question 17: What is your favorite vacation spot?
I enjoy Hilton Head in South Carolina. Bike paths everywhere and kind of off the beaten path. The beaches are quiet and the scenery is beautiful.

Question 18: What is the best thing about working at Neumann?
Definitely the people. When you walk by someone, they say hello. They know your name and what you are working on. It is nice to know people care and support you and I think you feel it all over the campus. Some of my favorite experiences are when Dr. Domes stops in my office when I am meeting with a prospective student, just to say hi! You don't find that anywhere else.

Question 19: What is/was your favorite board game to play?
I don't think anyone plays the board games where you have to make a real commitment in time anymore, but I love a good game of monopoly. I used to play with my friends in high school. Since we were all athletes, the games would get really competitive!

Question 20: What was cool when you were young, but isn't cool now?
I was in high school during the late 90's and grunge was all the rage. I loved that style. Lots of flannel, baggy jeans and big chunky boots. All of which were so comfortable but none of which are cool now! Hopefully it makes a comeback someday!

Question 21: What is your go to restaurant for amazing food?
My absolute favorite restaurant is Alma De Cuba in Philadelphia. I go very rarely but it is definitely a treat myself event. I love experiences over material things and the experience of the restaurant as well as the delicious food is wonderful!