Meet Lauren Baum - Our May MVP!
When she’s not chasing her four-year-old around the yard or enjoying a beach day with her family, this Ardsley Park mom is hitting the field, pounding the pavement, or swinging a pickleball paddle! She brings just as much energy and heart to her athletic life as she does to her role as a mom — and we’re thrilled to feature her as our Cool Mom Athlete for May!
Let’s get to know her a little better…
How long have you lived in Ardsley Park?
Well, technically since birth! My parents lived on 52nd Street when I was born, so Ardsley’s always been home. My husband and I moved back into the neighborhood in 2020 when we started our family.
Well, technically since birth! My parents lived on 52nd Street when I was born, so Ardsley’s always been home. My husband and I moved back into the neighborhood in 2020 when we started our family.
Where are you originally from?
Born and raised right here in Savannah!
Born and raised right here in Savannah!
What sports do you play?
Softball, pickleball, and running are my go-to favorites.
Softball, pickleball, and running are my go-to favorites.
Other hobbies or interests?
I love reading, going to the beach, walking the neighborhood, and fishing when I can.
I love reading, going to the beach, walking the neighborhood, and fishing when I can.
Tell us how you got involved in your favorite sport.
I played softball in high school and then on the Club team at Georgia Southern. Now that I’m older, it’s less about the competition and more about the camaraderie. This year, I pushed myself to join a new team where I didn’t know anyone — and it ended up being one of the most rewarding things I’ve done! I’ve made amazing new friends and had a blast playing. If anyone’s considering joining a league, I highly recommend checking out SARC (Savannah Adult Recreation Club). You can join with a team or even as a free agent!
I played softball in high school and then on the Club team at Georgia Southern. Now that I’m older, it’s less about the competition and more about the camaraderie. This year, I pushed myself to join a new team where I didn’t know anyone — and it ended up being one of the most rewarding things I’ve done! I’ve made amazing new friends and had a blast playing. If anyone’s considering joining a league, I highly recommend checking out SARC (Savannah Adult Recreation Club). You can join with a team or even as a free agent!
What’s your most recent big “win” in your sport?
Honestly? Taking that leap to join a new team and connecting with a brand-new group of awesome people!
Honestly? Taking that leap to join a new team and connecting with a brand-new group of awesome people!
What advice would you give to another athlete in the neighborhood?
Take a chance! If you love a sport, find a local league. If you want to try something new, just go for it! There are pickleball groups at Daffin Park on weekends, pickup basketball games at Forsyth Park, and tons of SARC leagues to explore. Just get out and play!
Take a chance! If you love a sport, find a local league. If you want to try something new, just go for it! There are pickleball groups at Daffin Park on weekends, pickup basketball games at Forsyth Park, and tons of SARC leagues to explore. Just get out and play!
Who inspires you?
My 4-year-old son, Beckett. Kids are always trying something for the first time—sometimes it sticks, sometimes it doesn’t (shoutout to our short-lived t-ball experience), but when they find something they love, the joy on their face is everything. That joy inspires me to keep trying new things, too.
My 4-year-old son, Beckett. Kids are always trying something for the first time—sometimes it sticks, sometimes it doesn’t (shoutout to our short-lived t-ball experience), but when they find something they love, the joy on their face is everything. That joy inspires me to keep trying new things, too.
What teams are you currently playing for?
I play for the Savannah Swingers (Paulsen) and St. Peter’s 3 in the Islands Church League.
I play for the Savannah Swingers (Paulsen) and St. Peter’s 3 in the Islands Church League.
Any goals for the future in your sports?
Just trying to stay injury-free and keep having fun!
Just trying to stay injury-free and keep having fun!