Lauren Stacy is a star on and off the field

BY DREW FLEMING / Multimedia Journalist

Lauren Stacy began her journey at Tarleton in fall 2021, and is graduating on Dec. 13. She was born in Arlington, Texas and was raised in Mansfield, Texas. She was raised by her parents, Cindy and Jesse, as well as her brother, Tyler. 
 

Looking back at her childhood and what has inspired her the most, Stacy said without a doubt it is her parents’ work ethic. 
 

“All they do has inspired me to always put my best foot forward in everything,” Stacy said.  
 

Stacy began her college career as a criminal justice major, but switched to kinesiology her second semester. She chose her major because she realized her interest in the body and how it moves. 
 

“I found my passion in dance and I thought kinesiology would be the best route to help become a successful dance coach,” Stacy said. 
 

Stacy is a four year member of the Texan Stars dance team. Throughout her time as a Texan Star, Stacy served as game day leader her junior year and captain her senior year. She has been to the National Dance Alliance (NDA) finals with her team for the past three years. While at the NDA competition in Daytona Beach, Stacy has helped her team place second in the nation the last three years in the competition.  
 

“The Texan Stars have made my college experience,” Stacy said. “We truly see each other at our best and our worst. This team has made me into the person I am today and has taught me so much about myself. I know I will have my teammates in my life forever and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. It’s not always easy but it’s always worth it. I would not have made it through college without the support and encouragement of the stars.” 
 

Kayleigh Maracchini is a sophomore at Tarleton and Texan Star with Stacy. 
 

“Lauren has been such an inspiring captain and teammate on Texan Stars this year. She has shown us what it’s like to show up for your team no matter what and doing so in a positive light,” Maracchini said. “I’m so grateful I’ve gotten the chance to be on the team with her and can’t wait to see what else she can accomplish.” 
 

In the fall of 2022, Stacy decided to go Greek and ran home to the Delta Zeta sorority. In her time as a Delta Zeta, Stacy has served two years in a row as the yell leader for the Xi Nu chapter. 
 

“I think my biggest blessing from Delta Zeta was being involved in a yell contest. It allowed me to use my passion for dance and coaching in a completely new environment,” Stacy said. “The girls I met through the yell contest have genuinely made me a better person and I couldn’t be more grateful. I have gained connections that will last a lifetime.” 
 

Alexa Segovia is a senior at Tarleton, she has been a member of Delta Zeta for four years. Segovia is Stacys, “big sister,” in Delta Zeta. 
 

“When I met Lauren she quickly became someone I loved. I took her as my little and have been filled with gratitude since that day! While we are both extremely busy I always know she’s got my back just like I have hers,” Segovia said. “Tarleton has given me a lot but my friendship with Lauren is by far the best thing! I am going to miss her so much but I know she’s going to change so many lives because she changed mine.” 
 

It is clear that Stacy has not only made the most of her time here at Tarleton, but also impacted many people positively while being a part of the Texan Stars and Delta Zeta. 
 

Her list of achievements here at Tarleton State University doesn’t stop there. Stacy has left her mark on Tarleton through serving as a Tarleton Transition Mentor both her junior and senior year. She is a member of the Student Government Association and held a position as the Athletics Congress Person. 
 

“TTM gave me the opportunity to pour into people, while people poured into me. Being able to watch my baby ducks grow into amazing people has been so rewarding. I also got to learn so much about Tarleton and its traditions. I grew a bigger love for this amazing school during this experience,” Stacy said. 
 

Because of her extensive involvement on campus, this fall Stacy had the honor of being elected to serve on Tarleton’s homecoming court. Homecoming court is for students with immense involvement on campus and commitment to Tarleton. 
 

“It was such a cool experience to be on homecoming court. It’s just cool to know I made an impact at Tarleton because it’s made such an impact on me. The people on the court were the best. I got to meet new people and learn new things about myself and the school. The support I received was amazing and I’m so grateful I had this opportunity,” Stacy said. 
 

It is clear that Stacy found a home here at Tarleton and left her mark at the university.
 

“Felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus,” Stacy said.