LSU Soccer midfielder Mariel McLaughlin sat down with LSU Lately, proclaiming her love for the sport and sharing some pre-match snack tips.
McLaughlin’s interest in soccer sparked after watching her three older siblings play when she was younger.  McLaughlin joined her sister’s team at 4-years-old and joined a competitive team when she was 7.  Now, senior biology major, who is hoping to pursue her masters, kicks around with some bigger tigers.
McLaughlin noted the difference in intensity between non-conference matches and games against fellow SEC schools.
“They’re really rough,” McLaughlin noted. “It’s a lot about athleticism.  Some of the ACC [Atlantic Coast Conference] teams keep the ball and just play a different kind of soccer.  And on top of that, the goal is to eventually win the SEC, so to prepare for SEC games, every point matters.”
Host MJ Hernandez also asked about her ties to LSU, and what made her choose the school and team.  McLaughlin said it all comes back to family.
“My mom grew up in New Orleans.  My dad went to medical school at LSU.  And so, it was always in the back of my mind.  And then when I was a junior and talking to Brian [Lee], our coach, it kind of solidified my decision.”
McLaughlin even shared her favorite pre-game snack, and described the perfect way to prepare it.
“I like banana and peanut butter,” she explained. “I use a knife, and put the knife in the peanut butter and put it on the banana, and cut each piece of banana.”
Host MJ Hernandez said he was grateful to learn about a new addition to his snack game.