Lauren Regula is a perfect example of what happens when balance, tenacity, and humility are mixed with innate talent and skill. Not only has Lauren been to the Olympics twice to represent the Canadian Women’s Softball Team, but she was just invited back a third time to pitch in the 2020 Olympics in Japan. Lauren talks about how she became a professional pitcher, her takeaways for instilling a true love of the game in children, and what it’s like for her back on the mound now as a mother of three. Lauren openly shares her struggle with depression, and what helped her to get back on her feet to play her best, represent her country, and inspire others to play big.
What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Why Carrie prefers the term “finding harmony” vs. “finding balance”. As a wife and mother of three with a busy career and dedication to a sport, Lauren agrees that it is next to impossible to balance every need and desire at all times perfectly. What Lauren’s experience of competing twice in the Olympics on the Canadian Women’s Softball Team was really like, and how each of them were completely different experiences with polar opposite learning lessons. Lauren’s brother Jason is also an incredibly talented athlete and played in Major League Baseball for teams including the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets.
However, Lauren is most proud of the human that he is and the heart he shows on and off the field. Lauren and her brother were encouraged by their parents to try their personal best, but learn from their mistakes rather than dwell on them. This light-hearted encouragement helped them stay consistent in their love for the sport and became the foundation of their extremely strong work ethic. Lauren wasn’t the perfect left-handed pitcher from the start, but she loved being involved with all the plays on the field and put in the work and hours to reach superstar status. The Olympic game that left Lauren feeling crushed, hopeless, and even caused her to put her glove away. What finally got Lauren to take the glove back out in 2016, and why her mindset now is stronger and more focused than ever for that Gold Medal. How Lauren and her family find time for a personal connection with a busy and demanding schedule. Lauren is out there playing not just for herself, but all the moms out there. She wants to show we can push our limits and go beyond what we think we are capable of.