(Editor's Note:  This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists.  Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.  

R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase.  It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
 
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)

Written by AJ Silipo, Jacob Hernandez

Lauren Santiago, a nominee for the 2024 RUDY Award, is a graduate student studying exercise science. She is a sprinter/hurdler who holds the all-time UD indoor records for the 4x400 relay and 300m races. She is also second all-time in the outdoor 400m hurdles. She went to Amsterdam High School in Amsterdam, NY and ran her freshman and sophomore years at Sacred Heart University. Her hobbies and interests include her love of ice cream, reading, being outdoors, and watching movies. She is a captain for the UD women's track and field team. 

Q: What does being a Flyer mean to you? 
A: "It's opened opportunities to be a part of something bigger and better. Having made lifelong friends here and is a role model to (my) teammates and fellow students being nominated for this."

Q:What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A: "In high school recognizing that (I) had the ability to be a collegiate athlete, being at Dayton and with (my) teammates is highly influential and wants to thrive and succeed with (my) teammates. Being a leader for this team is a big part of (my) college career and is leaving a mark on the younger teammates."

Q: Balancing sports and academics can be challenging. How do you organize your time effectively to ensure success in both areas?
A: "(I) live in (my) agenda.  (I) schedule (my) week each Sunday. "

Q: How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A: "It has made (me) come out of (my) shell.  Making the leap to transfer has made (me) grow and learn about myself.  Choosing to come to UD with no visit and has taught (me) to learn (my) role as a leader and "mom" of  the team. I like the people and the helpfulness of the people around UD.

Q: What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A: I want to go to PT school and help others.  As an avid sports fan, I would like to work within the athletics industry. 

PREVIOUS STORIES
Casey Bogues -- Track & Field
Destiny Bohanon -- Basketball
Connor Bruce -- Tennis 
Abby Carter -- Cross Country/Track & Field
Alicia Donley -- Soccer
Calan Gizelbach -- Cross Country
Elizabeth Hamilton -- Tennis
DaRon Holmes II -- Basketball 
Adam Jones --- Cross Country
Joe Lansing -- Football 
Annika Roush -- Rowing