Lauren McCormack, White Plains NY Native, Passes Away at 32: Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Player and Advocate for Youth Sports Remembered for Her Exceptional Athleticism, Leadership, and Community Contributions

Lauren McCormack, White Plains NY Native, Passes Away at 32: Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Player and Advocate for Youth Sports Remembered for Her Exceptional Athleticism, Leadership, and Community Contributions

Overview of the Tragic Passing of Lauren McCormack

On November 16, 2024, the world lost a remarkable woman, athlete, and community leader: Lauren Ashley McCormack, affectionately known by teammates and friends as “LoMack.” Her family, friends, and the broader athletic community, particularly in the Madison, Wisconsin, and White Plains, New York areas, are mourning her sudden passing. McCormack, a talented and beloved member of the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Football Club (WWRFC), died at the age of 32 after a life marked by exceptional athletic accomplishments, leadership roles, and a deep commitment to giving back to the sport of rugby and her community.

Early Life and Athletic Beginnings in White Plains, NY

Born to retired officer Tom McCormack and his wife, Mariana, Lauren McCormack grew up in White Plains, New York, where she established herself as an outstanding and versatile athlete from a young age. Raised with a passion for sports and physical activities, she was a 12-season athlete at White Plains High School, where she excelled in Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track & Field, eventually serving as captain of all three teams. Her athleticism was matched by her dedication to personal growth and the development of those around her.

Beyond her athletic pursuits, Lauren was also a performer. She participated in school productions such as The Nutcracker and had a love for Irish step dancing and various other forms of dance. Her well-rounded nature was further reflected in her role as a summer swim instructor at Camp Hillard, where she became known for her outgoing personality, strong work ethic, and ability to inspire children and fellow staff members alike. Her caring and humorous demeanor left a lasting impression on those who encountered her in both sports and community settings.

College Years and Rugby Journey

In 2010, Lauren graduated from White Plains High School and went on to Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications in 2014. It was during her time at BU that Lauren discovered her passion for rugby, a sport she would later dedicate much of her time to. The sport captured her interest not only for its physical challenge but also for the camaraderie and teamwork it fostered, which matched her values of leadership, discipline, and community spirit.

Her commitment to rugby deepened after her college years when she moved to Madison, Wisconsin. There, Lauren became an integral member of the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Football Club (WWRFC), a highly respected team in the national rugby community. Her natural athleticism and competitive drive contributed to the club’s remarkable success, including a victory in the 2015 Club Rugby National Championship. Her leadership also extended to the following year, where the team finished as runners-up in 2016.

Dedication to Rugby and Community

Lauren’s contributions to rugby were not limited to her on-field achievements. She believed strongly in growing the game and giving back to the sport that had shaped her life. As an officer of the WWRFC, she worked to improve the team’s organizational strength and expand its reach within the community. Off the field, she dedicated significant time to coaching youth flag rugby, as well as assisting the University of Wisconsin-Madison Men’s College Rugby Club. Through her coaching, she inspired and mentored the next generation of athletes, ensuring that the future of the sport was in capable hands.

Lauren’s influence reached far beyond her athletic achievements. She was a leader in her rugby community, exemplifying dedication and commitment both on and off the field. Her efforts to give back to the sport were recognized by her teammates and the broader Madison rugby community, who mourned the loss of an exceptional leader and friend upon hearing the news of her passing.

Legacy in Wisconsin and Beyond

After her time at Boston University, Lauren settled in Madison, Wisconsin, where she continued to pursue her love for rugby. She played a key role in the WWRFC’s national championship win in 2015, a historic accomplishment that solidified her status as a central figure in the team’s success. She balanced her rugby career with her community involvement, coaching young players and working to expand the sport’s reach to underserved communities. Lauren’s commitment to rugby was deeply personal, and her legacy will live on through the players she mentored and the community she helped to build.

In addition to her coaching and rugby responsibilities, Lauren also worked professionally outside of the sport, including serving in various leadership roles. Her ability to balance her professional career, athletic pursuits, and community contributions showcased her exceptional time management skills and dedication to helping others. Lauren was deeply admired by those who worked with her for her work ethic, her selflessness, and her ability to inspire those around her.

Personal Reflections and Tributes

Following her death, tributes poured in from friends, teammates, and colleagues, all of whom emphasized Lauren’s exceptional qualities as both an athlete and a person. The Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Football Club, in a statement released after her death, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of one of their most cherished members. They remembered Lauren not only for her impressive athletic abilities but also for her leadership, her kindness, and her unwavering commitment to growing the sport of rugby.

Teammates recalled her as a constant source of motivation and encouragement. She was known for her ability to lead by example, whether through her actions on the field or her efforts to help younger players improve their skills. Lauren’s influence within the rugby community was immeasurable, and her passing left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew her.

The broader Madison rugby community also expressed their condolences, remembering Lauren for her dedication to both the sport and the people within it. Off the field, she was loved for her kindness and compassion, qualities that made her a cherished member of every community she was a part of. Friends and family members spoke fondly of her dedication to helping others, as well as her sense of humor and her ability to bring joy to those around her.

Conclusion

Lauren McCormack’s death at the young age of 32 leaves a hole in the hearts of many who were fortunate enough to know her. Her passion for rugby, her leadership, and her selfless contributions to the community have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Through her work as a coach, her role in the WWRFC, and her dedication to growing the sport of rugby, Lauren’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.

Her family, friends, and teammates will forever remember her as a devoted daughter, a passionate athlete, and a fierce advocate for her community. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who carry on her work in the world of rugby and beyond.

As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, the legacy of Lauren Ashley McCormack will undoubtedly endure, not just in the sport of rugby but in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate to know her.