College of Health Solutions grad, soccer star hopes to make the big leagues
Lauren Kirberg is a staple lineup defender on the Sun Devil women’s soccer team. She hopes to join the National Women’s Soccer League after graduating from the College of Health Solutions clinical exercise science program. Courtesy photo
A staple lineup defender on the Sun Devil women’s soccer team, Lauren Kirberg is looking to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after graduating from the College of Health Solutions clinical exercise science program.
Born and raised in Arizona, Kirberg first started playing soccer when she was 3 years old and committed to ASU to play soccer during her freshman year of high school. While at ASU, Kirberg also played in the Women’s Premier Soccer League and received all-conference honors for her defensive play.
The increase in awareness of women’s athletics worldwide has influenced Kirberg to take her shot at joining the NWSL. (To watch a collection of highlights of Kirberg, click here.)
According to Forbes, social media followers for the NWSL are up 198% since 2023. This led to a record 22 players from around the world joining the NWSL in the league's 2024 transfer window.
“The growth was the reason for my decision, a hundred percent,” Kirberg said. “Trinity Rodman, for example, played at Washington State and has made a big name for herself. Even Croix Bethune, she was at USC. She was my defensive assignment every single game we played against her, and now she's on the national team! Like, it's crazy what can happen.”
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I've been surrounded by sports my whole life. I've had injuries throughout my years. I've been in physical therapy many times. Before I came to ASU, physical therapy was what I wanted to go into. And I was like, "I could totally see myself doing clinical exercise science." I could also focus it around sports.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I'm definitely a homebody. So being close to home was definitely the biggest factor. I really enjoyed my experience here. I'm really glad that I stayed here because I think I would have missed my family too much.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: How much support there is for anything, especially for student-athletes. Having support from staff and teachers definitely helps a lot.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Seeing Tannah Broman teach one of my first classes in my major and how passionate she was is something that I hope to be like in my future and career with everything.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: I'm gonna have to say the study hall in the student-athlete building. That was like a chance for my team and me to meet all the other athletes. The team and I were also really good friends with the freshman football class. We all were just in there actually doing our work despite what a lot of people might think. It was a good time just to hang out and just chill.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: I would say just focus on yourself, focus on your mental being, focus on getting yourself right and getting your stuff done, and enjoying your life. Because it really does go by quickly.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I'm actually making a highlight video for the NWSL. The league is in my plans. I don't really know how it's going to turn out.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would say helping the homeless. I always see these videos on TikTok about how these people buy stuff for the homeless, and it just breaks my heart.
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