Name: Sydney Lavan (aka Syd, Sydo, Syd the kid)
Graduation Year: 2017
Major: Chemistry

What have you been up to since graduating from Monmouth?
After graduating from Monmouth I went on to pursue my doctorate in physical chemistry at Wayne State University in Michigan. I recently obtained my degree and graduated from Wayne State on December 1, 2021. I am now working for the Department of Energy at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. I was hired as a postdoctoral appointee in their material science/joint center for energy storage research division. I am extremely excited about this opportunity I have and look forward to continuing to grow as a scientist.

What is your fondest memory at Monmouth?
Oh, what a question this is! Gosh, I could probably make a list of 100+ memories. Some of my fondest memories always includes the bus rides to our away games. One of them included me serenading Julie Spracklin to the song Dancing Queen by ABBA where I changed the lyrics to "Julie is the dancing queen." We were always goofing around and having run celebrating wins on the bus rides.

If you could travel anywhere in the world next week where would you go and why?
I would travel out to Vail, Colorado. I am a huge skier! I've been skiing since I was 10 years old and its one of my favorite hobbies. Vail Mountain is on my bucket list to check out and tear up the slopes! Hopefully, I will plan a trip soon.

If you could master one skill right now that you don't have, what would it be?
Oh, another great question. Lately a skill I would love to master would be able to fluently speak another language. I think this is a great skill to have not only for the working world but also personally to be able to connect with others and for traveling.

If you could give advice to a current Monmouth player, what would it be?
The advice I would give to the current Monmouth Hawks is to try to be as present in the moment as you can be. I know during the season we focus a lot on our next opponent, or we focus on preparing for the preseason, etc. But, one day you'll blink and it's your last game as a senior or your last practice with the team. Try to cherish each day as it comes because the relationships and the environment we have as Division I athletes is something we will never get again. I miss it every single day.

How did your time at Monmouth prepare you for life after graduation?
I like this question. My time at Monmouth as a student athlete has tremendously prepared me for life after graduation. First off, the skills we attain as student athletes I feel sets us apart from those who are not. Skills, such as time management, leadership development, teamwork, accountability, dedication were all acquired and have helped me transition into my career as a chemist (aka a cool nerd lol). Obtaining a doctorate is not easy. There are many challenges you face along the way but my time at Monmouth where I was pushed towards excellence, and I developed a strong mentality, really helped me through it. The success I've experienced thus far all began at Monmouth and I am forever grateful I had the opportunity to be a Hawk!

Between your former teammates and coaches, who has had the most impact on your life?
Oh goodness. Honestly, I could name every single teammate I had and the entire coaching staff during my four years at Monmouth. The bonds I've formed with my teammates and the relationships I've had with each coach is truly incredible. I really consider still to this day the team and coaches as my second family. I know I've made relationships that will last a lifetime which is really special. If I had to name one person though I would say Coach Krissy Turner (aka Dr. now; aka Coachey, a nickname I'm not sure she knows I refer to her as lol). Coach helped me develop not just as an athlete but as a person as well. She truly cared about each and every one of us. At times, she definitely pushed me to my limits but that helped me see that we are far more capable than what we believe. This mentality is why I can continue to achieve and push myself today. The impact Coach, the coaching staff and all my teammates have had on my life is something I will cherish and take with me for the rest of my life. And as always GO HAWKS!