DURHAM, N.C. – Duke University student-athletes and recent graduates Lauren Blazing (field hockey) and Delaney Lagrew (men's swimming and diving) have been awarded Heidrick Family Leadership Postgraduate Scholarships, as announced last month at the fourth annual Student-Athlete Talent and Recognition Show (STARS).
Established last year through a generous gift from the late Bob Heidrick and his family, the scholarship seeks to recognize leaders within the student-athlete community at Duke. In particular, recipients are selected based upon demonstrated growth in the area of leadership and how they have used those skills to enhance the community around them. The scholarships are viewed as an investment in the recipients and their potential for service through leadership in the future.
Blazing, who earned degrees in cultural anthropology and political science, has represented Duke on the field, at the international level and in the community over the past four seasons. A three-time All-American in the cage, she guided the Blue Devils to a 49-29 ledger and two NCAA semifinals appearances during her time in Durham. Blazing consistently ranked among the nation's leaders in save percentage and graduated ranked third in program history in career saves (385) and goals against average (1.46). Also a member of the U.S. senior women's national team, Blazing earned her first international cap in February, taking the field against Canada.
Off the field, Blazing has taken part in numerous service initiatives, including work with Team Impact, the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, the MLK Million Meals Event and the Durham Soup Kitchen. In 2015, Blazing and her field hockey teammates were recognized for their efforts in the community with an ACC Top Six for Service Award. She has also served as the field hockey team's representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) throughout her career and has mentored first-year student-athletes through the A.C.T.I.O.N. program, in addition to her role as an Athlete Ally ambassador.
Since graduating from Duke in December, Blazing has been training with the U.S. women's national team in Lancaster, Pa., in the hopes of making the final roster for the upcoming Olympic Games. When her time with the national team is complete, the Durham, N.C., native plans to pursue a law degree. In the long term, Blazing intends to use a law degree to advocate for women through civil rights or employment discrimination law.
Lagrew, who completed a degree in neuroscience with minors in chemistry and biology this spring, has been an active leader both in and out of the pool. He was selected to the swimming and diving team's leadership council as only a sophomore, and since then has served as the recruiting coordinator for the program. With his efforts, the Blue Devils have consistently been able to bring in top recruiting classes. Lagrew was elected a team captain as a senior and played an instrumental role in managing communication between his 60 teammates and the coaching staff. His leadership also guided the men's program to its first top 25 ranking in the final national poll, as well as continued development on the conference and national levels.
In addition to his training and leadership within the Duke swimming and diving program, Lagrew has been active in Duke's A.C.T.I.O.N. program, serving as a mentor for student-athletes in their first year. He has also served on SAAC and participated in the Sophomore Outdoor Leadership Experience (S.O.L.E.). In addition to his involvement in Duke's Swim with the Blue Devils program, Lagrew has served the Durham community by volunteering at A Helping Hand, a nonprofit organization that aids the physically and mentally disabled through a companionship program. The experience has inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.
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