The PCA Blog - Los Angeles

Q&A With Kat Lauer: PCA Regional Director in Southern California

11.09.2020


Kat Lauer
serves as the Regional Director for Southern California. Kat has played significant roles in development with several organizations, including her Alma mater UCLA, where she served as the Director of the Bruin Varsity Club. Kat also served on the PCA Leadership Council in Los Angeles for two years, prior to starting full time with PCA.




1. What is your background in youth sports?

I grew up playing a few sports (soccer, t-ball, tennis, basketball, and swimming), in both the local youth rec leagues and school teams before choosing to play soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and crew in high school. I then went on to join the Women’s Rowing Team at UCLA. While at UCLA, I had the opportunity during the summer breaks to be a coach at the UCLA Women’s Rowing camps for middle and high school aged girls, as well as work in the UCLA Athletic Blue and Gold recruiting office where I led tours and acted as a liaison for prospective student-athletes and their families. My passion for youth sports continued after graduation through volunteer opportunities with Team Prime Time, and PCA!

2. What is your perception of the youth and high school sports landscape in California?

The Southern California sports landscape is incredibly competitive among both the youth and high school levels. As we begin to see athletes returning back to sports competition during COVID-19, PCA has an important opportunity to positively impact this process for athletes, parents, and coaches through the tools and resources we provide. The loss of competition over this past year will require a greater attention to the social and emotional needs of our youth, and by working to support, empower, and encourage them, we can help them emerge from this experience and reintroduce them to sports; prepared for competition, and life.

3. What is your vision for what PCA can do in Southern California?

Across Southern California, PCA will continue to build upon and expand its reach through increased community engagement and strategic partnerships so that we can provide the positive culture youth sport participants need. My vision for this growth includes expansion to the greater San Diego area, and increased growth across Los Angeles, from elementary schools and youth sports organizations to city organizations and local supporters.

4. What is your most memorable sports experience?

My most memorable sports experience was as a member of the Connecticut Boat Club crew that won the clubs first ever title in the Varsity 8 at Head of the Charles and Nationals. What made the experience so memorable was the preparation, determination, trust, and work ethic of my teammates, as well as our incredible coach, Liz Trond. I will never forget the feeling when we crossed the finish line finally having achieved our goal after that year of training. Through the process, we became family and I attribute so much of my love for the sport of rowing to the positive experience I had as a “River Rat” with my CBC teammates and coach, Liz.