Titan Memories: Lauryn Welch – Scholar-Athlete

12/1/2025 10:24:00 AM

Lauryn Welch embodied the true meaning of a student-athlete. Lauryn was not only an All-Big West women's soccer player; she was also feted many times for her academic excellence.

Hailing from nearby La Mirada, Calif., Lauryn followed her brother to Fullerton's Troy High School, entering the nationally prestigious Troy Tech academic program. There, Welch was an All-Freeway League and All-CIF selection. Additionally, Lauryn was a member of the Corona del Mar-based Slammers FC.

Recruited by then-Titan women's soccer head coach, Ali Khosroshahin, Lauryn chose Fullerton over Ole Miss, Seattle Pacific, and Biola, among others. "Being across the street (from Troy) was a big selling point for Ali."

"I loved that (CSUF) was right in my backyard and that I was able to live at home and have my family attend every game."

Welch would be quickly inserted into the Titans' line-up, starting in each of the 73 games that she played in. By her junior year, she would be elected captain. Teammate Erica (Pryor) Baldaray said, "(Lauryn) led with poise and confidence, setting the tone for our team on and off the field."

Remembering being surprised at being selected captain, Lauryn said: "I (felt) a little inadequate just because of the big names who were seniors in 2005, like Kandace Wilson, Kellie (Cox) Newman, Karen Bardsley, and Erica (Pryor) Baldaray, but they supported me and gave me the confidence to lead, with them by my side. It was never one person leading; we each pulled our own weight and carried others when they needed a lift."

Reflecting on her playing career, Lauryn remembered several personal highlights:

"Being named the Big West Tournament MVP in 2005, and scoring a game-winner in the 85th minute vs. Pacific in the semi-final was a feeling I won't ever forget. I remember the cross and seeing the ball, but I was behind a defender, and I knew I had to get up and over her to get the job done. The feeling of watching that (ball) hitting the back of the net and celebrating with my teammates and then running to the sideline stands to celebrate with the other athletic teams who came out to support us was unbelievable."
"Then, going into the final on Sunday and beating UCR 4-1, where I netted 2 goals to send the Fullerton team to its second-ever NCAA appearance."
"The experience of helping the team to get to the NCAA Sweet 16, Fullerton women's soccer's most successful team to date. We made program history by being the first team to be victorious in an NCAA match. We then went to USC and beat them 3-1 on their own turf. I scored another goal to help in the victory to push us onward before ultimately losing to Virginia."
"I played at every single position in my collegiate career. Ali (Coach Khosroshahin) even made an example out of me one game and started me as a goalkeeper. I remember seeing the line-up and turning to one of our goalkeepers, asking her if I could use her gloves. It was the longest few minutes of my life, and I was never so loud in directing my backline to make sure I didn't have to defend a shot on goal. (Ali's) example was about buying into the plan and doing what was asked of you. He always said, 'If I say jump, you ask how high?' Ali was my head coach during my four years as a player. He always pushed me to be my best and strive for more."

Following the remarkable 19-4 2005 season, Lauryn tore her ACL while scoring a goal 10 games into her 2006 senior season, effectively ending her college career.

Remembering off-the-field fun, the team-funded trip to Germany in 2005 immediately came to mind: "The bond that we created while being overseas and playing, but more importantly, spending every minute with each other was one for the books. The number of pranks, fun, and some slight sneaking around in another country created the togetherness that we needed to fight for each other on the field in the fall of 2005." It also, no doubt, led to a very successful season.

"Cal State Fullerton Head Coach Demian Brown and I remain very close to this day," Lauryn said. "Recently, I was back in Titan Stadium supporting the team and Demian, who is one of my closest friends and mentors. I am still in touch with many of my former teammates, and we gather every now and then to get out and watch games." The 2005 team was honored for their 20^th Anniversary on October 26^th at Titan Stadium.

Coach Brown had this to say: "Welchy was an amazing soccer player for the Titans. Her soccer IQ was off the charts, and that allowed her to play multiple positions."

"Her discipline and work ethic extended off the field and into the classroom, as she is our only Academic All-American."

After graduating in 2007, Welch served as a Titan assistant coach for one season before opting to play professionally for one year in Germany, with FC Guetersloh 2000. In 2009, Lauryn was asked by Coach Brown to return to Cal State Fullerton to again serve as an assistant coach. Lauryn would stay with the Titans for five seasons before taking the helm of the University of La Verne's women's soccer program, where she has been since 2013.

Lauryn (Welch) Pehanich lives in Anaheim Hills with her husband Joe, who is also a soccer coach, and their three children: 9-year-old Creedence and 7-year-old twins, Jones and Adeline.

"We are a busy soccer family," Lauryn added, "And I am sure one of our kids will continue the passion that we have. Our oldest, Creedence, is a tremendous Jiu-Jitsu competitor and artist. Jones loves every single sport he can get his hands on, and soccer is very high on the list. Addy loves gymnastics, swimming, and being cute.

"We love our life and feel so blessed to have been able to keep our passion for soccer around for as long as we both have, and that brought us together in the first place."

Honors