Making a quick decision
VALENCIA — Lauren Wasylson didn't dawdle.
The Mars graduate has always been decisive.
When faced with a choice on the basketball court of taking a 3-pointer, passing or driving to the hoop, Wasylson rarely hesitates.
She applied the same resolve to making a monumental life decision.On March 23, the 6-foot guard entered the transfer portal, making her intention clear about leaving the Xavier University women's basketball program for another school.Just eight days later, Wasylson found a new destination.Duquesne University.“I took a visit (Wednesday). Me, my dad and brother just walked around campus and I knew. I knew that was going to be my new school,” Wasylson said. “I called coach Dan (Burt) right there and said, 'I want to be a Duquesne Duke.”Burt recruited Wasylson out of Mars, but missed out on landing the versatile guard.This time around, Wasylson said Burt was determined to right that wrong.“He said, 'Don't make the same mistake again,'” Wasylson said, chuckling.Duquesne was the right fit for Wasylson.Close to home?Check.An offense that fits her skill set?Check.A close-knit team with a family feel?Check.“Coach Dan and I had a really good relationship when he and his staff were recruiting me out of high school,” Wasylson said. “When he called, we picked up right where we left off then. We talked for about an hour and a half and he actually offered me on the phone that day. So, it felt really good.”Wasylson was also considering Robert Morris and Temple before choosing Duquesne.The Dukes are coming off a 5-11 season, but have a wealth of young talent that includes North Catholic graduate Tess Myers, who averaged 6.1 points per game as a freshman.Wasylson, who averaged 6.3 points and started 64 games in her three seasons at Xavier, will add a veteran presence to the young Dukes' roster.Wasylson will graduate with a business degree from Xavier in May. She has two years of eligibility and will pursue her master's degree in business at Duquesne.“The one word that I would use to describe how I feel right now is relieved,” Wasylson said. “I'm ecstatic that I found a great place and a great fit for me and a place where I feel wanted a part of a family.”Wasylson's long-term goal is to play professionally overseas and Burt is committed to helping her make that dream a reality.“I was talking to him on the phone and he brought it up,” Wasylson said. “He said next January we'll be sitting down talking about going overseas and I felt like a high schooler again with so many opportunities ahead.“I'm so very, very blessed,” Wasylson added. “ I'm very excited to see where my basketball journey takes me.”
