2009 Scholar Athletes: Laughlin wants to be remembered for more than basketball
Aubrey Laughlin wants to be remembered at Hudson High School for more than the 1,442 points in scored in her
four-year varsity basketball career.
With 12 varsity letters, a 3.93 grade point average and plenty of community involvement, Laughlin's impact on the Hudson area is larger than being the
Tigers' all-time leading scorer. For all her accomplishments, Laughlin has been selected as one of the county's top scholar-athletes by The Daily
Telegram's sports staff.
"I don't just want to be remembered for my stats," Laughlin said. "I want to be remembered as a hard worker, and a person that always did
the best that I could do. I talk to some younger girls now, and they say they are going to break my record. I think that's awesome. It takes a lot of time
and a lot of commitment."
Laughlin put up gaudy numbers on the basketball court and in the classroom. She finished third in her class and was an active member of Big Buddies/Little
Buddies. Laughlin was treasurer of National Honors Society and volunteered at blood drives run by the Red Cross.
In the athletic arena, Laughlin collected 12 varsity letters in five sports. She was a four-year varsity letterwinner in basketball, and led Hudson to
back-to-back Lenawee County Athletic Association titles in her sophomore and junior seasons.
Laughlin was named the county's Player of the Year by twice, and garnered honorable mention All-State recognition her junior and senior seasons. Laughlin
also earned two varsity letters in four other sports: volleyball, softball, golf and track.
The key to Laughlin's success was her drive and focus, said Hudson girls basketball coach Tom Romanowski.
"She (Laughlin) was real focused at whatever she was doing," Romanowski said. "She sets goals and does whatever is in her power to reach those
goals. She works hard and is goal-orientated. She has never been afraid to set high goals for herself, and reach them."
Laughlin displayed strong leadership qualities even as a freshman on the varsity squad, said Romanowski.
"She was a leader coming in as a freshman," he said. "As she came in that summer, she took over the team. Not with a cocky attitude, but by
willing to work hard. She was a great team player, and she always helped her teammates out.
"I really miss her already. She was a great role model for the younger girls. This summer was the first time I didn't have her at (the elementary
girls) camp. She works so well with the younger girls. I can definitely see her coaching in the future."
Laughlin is looking to continue her basketball career at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, where she will be majoring in education. After speaking with
the head coach, Laughlin will have the opportunity to tryout for an open spot on the team.
"I have been persistent," Laughlin said. "I was persistent in the gym and in the classroom. I've been persistent with the coach in
Tennessee. And now I have the opportunity to accomplish my dream of playing Division I basketball. I am very excited about that."
