Lauren McCormack, Accomplished Rugby Player and Coach, Dies at 31

Lauren McCormack, Accomplished Rugby Player and Coach, Dies at 31

The community of White Plains, New York, and Madison, Wisconsin, is mourning the tragic loss of Lauren Ashley McCormack, an accomplished athlete, coach, and beloved member of her family and community. Lauren, affectionately known as “LoMack,” passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Her death was announced by her grieving parents, retired White Plains police officer Tom McCormack and his wife, Mariana.

Lauren was a remarkable individual whose life was marked by dedication, athleticism, and a vibrant spirit. Born and raised in White Plains, she graduated from White Plains High School in 2010, where she excelled both academically and athletically. A recipient of the President’s Educational Achievement Award, Lauren was a 12-season athlete who captained her high school’s Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field teams. Her summers were spent teaching swim lessons at Camp Hillard, where her infectious humor and kind personality endeared her to students and colleagues alike.

After high school, Lauren attended Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications in 2014. It was during her time at BU that she discovered rugby, a sport that would become a defining passion in her life. Following her graduation, she relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, to continue her rugby journey with the Wisconsin Women’s Rugby Football Club (WWRFC).

As a member of the WWRFC, Lauren achieved remarkable success. She played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph at the 2015 Club Rugby National Championship and their runner-up finish in 2016. Beyond her prowess on the field, Lauren was dedicated to growing the sport of rugby. She served as a coach for youth flag rugby programs and the UW-Madison Men’s College Rugby Club, mentoring the next generation of players with the same enthusiasm and leadership she demonstrated as an athlete.

Her impact extended beyond the game. As an officer of the WWRFC team, Lauren embodied the values of teamwork, commitment, and resilience, inspiring her teammates and the broader Madison rugby community. In a heartfelt statement, the WWRFC mourned her loss, saying, “Lauren was an exceptional athlete and teammate. She was a cherished member of our WWRFC family and the greater Madison rugby community.”

Lauren’s love for life was not limited to sports. Her childhood was filled with creative pursuits, including performances in the Nutcracker, Irish step dancing, and other dance forms. Her multifaceted personality, combining athletic talent with artistic flair and a warm sense of humor, left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

In White Plains, the Police Retirees of White Plains Association extended their condolences to the McCormack family. Retired Detective Fred Kanter, the association’s president, expressed deep sympathy, stating, “We mourn the loss of Lauren Ashley McCormack, a bright and beloved daughter of our retired colleague Tom McCormack. May she rest in peace.”

Lauren’s passing has left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the communities she touched. The McCormack family has announced that obituary and funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date.

As those who loved her remember Lauren, they celebrate not only her accomplishments but also the joy and inspiration she brought into their lives. Her legacy as a talented athlete, devoted coach, and cherished friend will endure, reflecting the remarkable life she lived in her 31 years.