Larson Intro Video

TACOMA, Wash. - Throughout the academic year, GoLutes.com will profile the Pacific Lutheran University senior student-athletes that are embarking on their final collegiate season. Today's installment features PLU women's soccer student-athlete Sydney Larson. 

When Sydney Larson joined the women's soccer team four years ago, she found a family. Now facing her last season as a Lute, Larson plans to make the most of the time she has left.
 
 

Hometown: University Place, Wash.

Highlights: Three-time NWC Champion Two-Time NCAA Qualifier 46-9-8 Career Record at PLU 23-1-4 Record at East Field

Larson has always looked forward to traveling with her teammates. She loves playing away games because it builds anticipation and gives her a feeling that she "lives for." Her favorite travel experience was traveling England, where she was able to play and watch soccer and explore the new country with her best friends.
 
"I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to build relationships and create memories with some of the best people I know over the last four years that I will take with me," Larson said. 
 
Larson believes her experience as a Lute athlete has prepared her to be successful after graduation. A mix of time management, hard work, and resilience that she has been taught playing soccer will carry over into her future career. Her coaches and teammates have also had a large hand in shaping her college experience.
 
"My coaches have had a huge impact on who I am as a person, along with the life and legacy that I want to carry after I leave the university," Larson said. "My girls are my second family, they push me, encourage me, lift me up on my bad days, they are definitely my home at PLU."
 
On the pitch, Larson has been a part of a Lute squad that has been the class of the Northwest Conference during her time on campus. The University Place, Washington native has helped the Lutes win three NWC titles and make two trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament while compiling a 46-9-8 record. That includes a 39-5-4 record in conference play and an eye-popping 23-1-4 mark in home games on the turf at East Field. Off the field, Larson has been recognized for her academic success, earning the NWC Scholar Athlete Award and earning induction into the Chi Alpha Sigma athletic honors society. 
 
"Sydney has been a fantastic person and teammate for our program," said Head Coach Seth Spidahl. "She has incrementally improved on the field year after year and I look forward to her senior year being her best this spring!"
 
While the soccer team has become her second family, Lute soccer is literally a family affair for the Larsons with her older sister Lauren suiting up for the Lutes from 2012 to 2016. 
 
Outside of soccer, Larson was involved in intramurals and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She enjoys keeping her competitive streak alive in the off-season, and sharing her love of God with other athletes in the community.
 
Larson will graduate in the spring with a degree in Finance and a minor in Economics. She hopes to eventually end up working in financial forensics, but is excited for the journey until she gets there.