Saucon Source Sports Spotlight: Lauren Binn

This week the Saucon Source Sports Spotlight shines on Saucon Valley soccer player, Lauren Binn. And Lauren shines right back!

Saucon Valley's Lauren Binn (#29) in action
Saucon Valley’s Lauren Binn (#29) in action

Lauren, a midfielder who is more popularly known as ā€œLB,ā€ finished the 2014 season with 22 goals and seven assists. She is fourth on Saucon’s All-Time Points Leader list with 54 goals and 33 assists. Lauren’s efforts have rewarded her with being named to the 1stĀ Team Colonial League, 1stĀ Team Express-Times All-Area and 1stĀ Team Morning Call All-Area. Most recently, she was honored by the PSCA (Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association) and named to the 2014 All-State team.

When asked about LB’s soccer qualities, Saucon Valley girls coach Stephanie ā€œStevieā€ Ochse said, ā€œ Lauren is one of the most skilled players to come through Saucon Valley. Her field vision and scoring abilities make her a prolific play-maker.ā€

LB and her 2014 teammates
LB and her 2014 teammates

Coach Ochse credited some of LB’s soccer success to her late father and older sister.

ā€œHer dad, Ron Binn, was one of her early coaches,ā€ Ochse said. In addition, ā€œ(LB) often played up multiple age groups to play with her sister.ā€

LB’s sister, Alicia, is a former Saucon Valley standout and member of the 2012 PSCA All-State team.

Leading her teammates to a 2014 undefeated regular season Colonial League record and an appearance in the PIAA District XI finals, Lauren is ā€œincredibly humble despite her many accomplishments,ā€ Ochse noted. ā€œShe is only concerned with the accomplishments of the team. She is not the type of player who follows her stats.ā€

Lauren Binn and mom Donna celebrate her soccer success.
Lauren Binn and mom Donna celebrate her soccer success.

Stevie went on to recall Lauren’s unassuming nature. ā€œThis season we honored her for scoring her 50thĀ career goal, and she had no clue of the accomplishment,ā€ she said.

LB, a junior, currently keeps her skills sharp playing for the FC Rage Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are a nationally ranked U-18 ā€œpremier-eliteā€ powerhouse out of Berks County.

On a final note, Coach Ochse added, ā€œLB’s fun, positive personality makes her easy to coach. She is quick to make her teammates laugh and ease tensions before a big game.ā€

With such a promising future, Lauren will, no doubt, continue to make those around her happy with her personality and play.

Good Luck, Lauren! Saucon wishes you well.

About the Author: Keith Riefenstahl is a deeply rooted sports fan, former coach and freelance writer. A Penn State grad and veteran educator, he resides in Saucon Valley with his wife Jill and four children: Brooke, Kiele, Travis and Tanner.

Author
Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is a veteran local journalist with an extensive background in print and digital news. A Bethlehem native, he has a Bachelor’s degree in history and has maintained a lifelong affinity for the subject. He founded Saucon Source to fill a need for independent local journalism, which has thrived with the support of an engaged, enthusiastic readership. He thanks the community, whose continued support makes this site possible.