University of Houston Athletics
Where Are They Now: Laurie Wagner
2/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By Armando Reveron
Athletics Communications Intern
The 2008 season was one of the best years in Houston Athletics' history. The Houston Softball team set the mark for the most wins by any sport at the university and saw players set records that still stand today.
Former outfielder Laurie Wagner was an integral part of the softball program during that time, helping the Cougars to the first Super Regional appearance in 2008.
Wagner is still the Houston Softball record holder for most home runs and highest slugging percentage in a season. She is a Houston Softball great and now Wagner is helping save lives as a member of the Houston Fire Department.
After graduating with a master's degree in social work from the University of Houston and playing professional softball for the Rockford Thunder, Wagner decided to try something new. She embarked on the journey to become a certified EMT and firefighter.
Upon graduation from the Houston Fire Academy, Wagner was honored with the Anne Sullivan, given to cadets who best exemplify integrity, extraordinary responsibility, never-quit attitude and the discipline and commitment to be the best.
Her hard work and determination has brought her to where she is today and has given her a sense of clarity in what she wants to accomplish in life.
"I know I probably wouldn't have made it as far in the academy as I did without Houston Softball," Wagner said. "Without being tested and pushed in college, I don't think I would have realized what I was capable of after graduation."
Just before her freshman year of college, tragedy struck Wagner's family. Her mother unexpectedly passed away. But, in Laurie fashion, she didn't let it get her down. Instead, Wagner used the incident to help mold her into the woman she is today.
"I have always been a part of a team, and what I went through with my mom really brought me, in a roundabout way, to where I feel I'm supposed to be."
Wagner and her sister, Leah, donated the majority of the funds for the scoreboard at Cougar Softball Stadium in memory of her mother Alicia Wagner.
Wagner credits her teammates and coaches, Kyla Holas, Beth McClendon and Kim Neslony, for shaping her into the woman she is today, She was unsure of herself, but now has a new ladder to climb.
When she isn't at the firehouse, Laurie is at home soaking in more knowledge. She is currently taking online courses because, "I'm a nerd," she said.
To stay in shape for the fire department duties, Laurie has started competitive powerlifting and CrossFit.
Wagner keeps up with Houston Softball when she can by occasionally glancing at the schedule and checking the scores and occasionally makes a game when she can. She also helps with the softball camps on campus.
Her favorite moment from her playing days were when the team made it to the Super Regionals in 2008 by giving it their all. The Cougars forced a game three in a best of three series but came just shy of reaching the College World Series.
Wagner has won many awards and holds numerous records in the softball program, but the one thing that she has learned over time is simple.
"When you think you are done, when you think you are giving all that you are capable of giving, you are wrong because you can give more."
