Lauren Schellhamer’s commitment to her craft is relentless.

It’s a dedication that has been on display since she stepped foot into the starting lineup for Northwestern’s field hockey team four years ago.

And it was evident once again this season as the senior helped the Tigers win their second straight District 11 title, and first Colonial League crown since 2002.

Schellhamer’s drive has also delivered countless individual accolades, including recently being honored as a Pennsylvania High School Field Hockey Coaches Association All-State First Team selection for her play this past season.

“I feel like as I came into high school, I knew this is what I wanted to do and be really successful in,” said Schellhamer. “The more I pushed myself to do better, I kept growing and developing my skills, and I was able to flourish in the sport. I was really happy with what I was doing, and I was able to continue my love for the sport. I was also happy with the success I was having, and being able to work off it.

“Having all of the coaches, and all of the experience; going to camps, clinics and different places and showcases, I feel like all of that combined has helped me be the person that I am and the player that I continue to be.”

Schellhamer has been the one to put it all together, which has helped her earn the 2020 Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Field Hockey Player of the Year honors.

While Shellhamer has been a driving force throughout her career for the Tigers, her love for the sport was not as immediate as her impact.

“Growing up, I wasn’t exactly fond of field hockey, I guess,” said Schellhamer. “When I was growing up, I played a lot of softball and basketball, actually. I always played field hockey, but it wasn’t my favorite. Once I hit seventh or eighth grade, I was like, ‘I know this is what I want to do, and be successful at it. I’m going to take the time and make the commitment to make myself a better player in the sport.’

“And I just motivated myself through high school to be a better player, constantly practicing to get better at my skills and fitness-wise, too. I knew if I wanted to be something, I had to push myself to do it, and that’s just what I had to do. I think it was kind of a turning point in my life because I really knew my love for the sport only continued to grow, and I was really happy with the choice that I made. Everything that I’ve done has reflected on my life in a positive way.”

And that has paid dividends for the program, which had four players named to the All-State team this year.

As one of 10 seniors on this year’s squad, Schellhamer led by example and helped guide the team through the unknowns that came with the coronavirus pandemic this season.

“We had a different kind of demeanor this year because it’s been a really, really long time since Northwestern’s been the team with the target on its back,” said Tigers’ head coach Lissa Opolsky. “I was hopeful, but I wasn’t sure what that was going to look like for us. I didn’t want them to put so much pressure on themselves that they forgot about why they were there and what they were doing.

“We had some bumps in the road, but ultimately, they were able to have some fun and play some good hockey, and they were happy with how things turned out.”

Schellhamer capped her senior season with 17 assists and 14 goals.

Through the years, her role and position have changed. But her focus has not.

“I think in my freshman year, I started as right midfielder, and that’s what I kind of normally played in middle school,” said Schellhamer, who will continue her career next year playing at the Division 1 level for the University of Vermont. “For my sophomore and junior year, I played high center-mid, and that’s more offensive, but I knew I still had to help on defense, too. Having that middle spot, playing both offense and defense, really helps you to understand the game.

“This past year, I played low center-mid, and that’s more of a defensive position, but you still play offense as well. Just having both outlooks on the middle of the field really helps your perspective and growth and development in the sport. I feel like having played many positions has helped me, because I haven’t been limited to one thing.”

In addition to her success on the field, Schellhamer was also among 10 Northwestern players recognized with PHSFHCA Academic All State honors in Class 1A. The Tigers also earned Academic All State distinction as a team.

Schellhamer has shown that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, both on the field and in the classroom.

“I think every accomplishment that you have represents the team, whether it’s a team award or an individual award,” said Opolsky. “And Lauren has been able to kind of encompass all those things that we look for.”