For a CSAC All-Academic honoree, there’s a modest tone in junior Laura Caron’s voice.
One might think that Caron, guard/forward and co-captain of the Cabrini women’s basketball team, humbles herself because of the team’s rough 6-13 record this season. In truth, Caron is laid back because basketball is in her blood.
“I’m 20 now and I’ve been playing since I was 4 or 5,” Caron said in a phone interview. “So [I’ve played for] the better part of 15 years.”
Caron’s inspiration to first step onto a court came from her father, who played basketball at Villanova before playing overseas in Europe. “He’s a big influence on me,” Caron said.
With regards to her role as Lady Cavs captain, Caron acts more as a piece of the puzzle than an authority figure.
“I help keep everyone together. I’m always making sure that we have fun both on and off the court.”
Teammate and senior marketing major Julie Bonomo agrees.
“Laura is a great co-captain and she really knows the game well,” Bonomo said in an e-mail. “She plays hard every game and always gives it her all. Laura is always pushing us to do our best. I’ll always remember my three years that I got the honor to play basketball with her and know her off the court.”
“I like to enjoy my off time as much as possible,” Caron, a junior education major, said who spends down time hanging out with friends and spending time with family.
Kate Pearson, head coach of the women’s basketball team, also bestows praise on Caron, the Lady Cavs’ only returning starter from last season.
“On the court, [Laura] has been asked to fill a number of roles and play a variety of positions,” Pearson said. “She’s stepped up to any challenge the coaches ask of her. She is our most versatile player and one of the keys to our success.”
The question of where the Lady Cavs go from here lingers after the team’s 64-45 loss to Eastern on Monday, Jan. 31. Caron would have every reason to be pressured or down, but instead remains optimistic.
“Our goal right is now is obviously to win the CSAC. Right now we have to keep playing strong and secure a playoff spot.”
