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By Mandy Haggerson

For the Clemmons Courier

Spending summers going to the neighbor’s pool, playing every sport imaginable, Lauren Hayworth Chamy enjoyed her childhood.

“I started T-ball at 4 years old and tried something new every season from soccer to volleyball and basketball,” reflected Chamy.

Once Chamy entered middle school, she began to play sports more competitively in various travel programs.

“I did Junior Olympic volleyball for a while, and AAU basketball,” remembered Chamy. “Basketball was my main love. From as early as I can remember, I wanted to play in college. Growing up with Wake Forest in your backyard, I loved cheering them on and the excitement of the games.”

After having a successful sports career at Reynolds High School including being a varsity basketball member all four years, Chamy considered where to attend college.

“Knowing I wanted to play basketball impacted my decision,” she said. “I was offered an academic scholarship to Clemson and fell in love with the campus. I spoke to the basketball coach about walking on, and he invited me to tryouts. I was looking forward to getting that opportunity when I came in the fall.”

When Chamy started her freshman year, she learned quickly that aside from her academic obligations, it was a lot of fun experiencing college life.

“I didn’t end up going to tryouts, and found myself embracing the college experience,” said Chamy. “I roomed with someone from the swim team. We were approached by someone starting the rowing team for Clemson. I figured I could give it a shot and ended up joining the team. I learned very quickly the difference when you get to collegiate level of coaching. They knew how to push you to your limits and did it the right way. Just when you thought you couldn’t go any harder or give anymore, they found a way to motivate you.”

After her freshman year, Chamy realized how much she missed basketball.

“I went back to the basketball coach and was told the same opportunity was available. I spent my entire summer training at Clemson with some of the men’s team. During one scrimmage, I tore everything possible in my knee. Not getting to play was my biggest regret,” said Chamy.

Not allowing her career ending injury to derail her from playing intramurals, Chamy did play at the club level.

“We were a competitive group and won our division championship,” Chamy said. “I also stayed committed to my academics with a marketing degree and an emphasis in services.”

After graduating, Chamy returned to her hometown and worked as an assistant manager at Panera Bread, going to school at night.

“High Point University had started a master’s degree in sports studies. The focus was on marketing, management, athletic training, fundraising and event planning,” explained Chamy.

Part of the program requirement was to complete an internship.

“I went to work at the Orlando Magic in their marketing and game operations. I learned how to do all things involved with making the game a show. I worked with the mascots, planning contests at timeouts and booking national anthem singers,” said Chamy.

While gaining valuable experience, Chamy knew she wanted to live close to her family and went home.

“While I was in grad school, I had learned about openings at A Child’s World Learning Center. I worked there with the 2-year-olds, and have been there for over 20 years,” revealed Chamy. “I love working with kids, and I wanted a career that would allow flexibility for my own children once I had a family.”

Now the chief operating officer of five locations with A Child’s World Learning Center, Chamy loves the close-knit atmosphere of where she works.

“The owner is from Clemmons, and is really dedicated to the employees, and the kids. I’m also proud to say that my sons, Lucas (13) and Roman (10) have attended four of the five locations, too,” smiled Chamy.

Chamy’s role has evolved, as she spends more of her days in a corporate role which includes marketing classroom development, both creative and business aspects, and every now and again going into the classroom to pick up a 2-year-old student.

“It’s the best of all worlds. It has also allowed me to be present when I am needed for my own kids. Lucas was born with Down Syndrome, and I have always been able to be there for any appointment he has needed. That means a lot to me,” reflected Chamy.

Family has always been a priority for Chamy. When she met her now husband, Chris, who also had a son, Nico (15), things really fell into place.

“I knew I wanted to get married and was ready to join our families. Chris has always been so supportive of me, and loving to my kids, and I have felt grateful to have both he and Nico in our lives too,” revealed Chamy who was married last April.

One of the ways Chamy has felt supported by her husband was by his encouragement for her to get back to basketball.

“I started coaching in a summer league last summer. I had a wide range of ages and experience, but I was committed to getting to know them exactly where they were at. We ended up winning the championship, and one of the sweetest moments was when a player, said she wanted to have the confidence to make a shot. I loved that. And in the championship game when she got the perfect pass from a teammate, she did it. And everyone cheered for her, and her mom teared up, and so did I,” said Chamy.

Chamy is now volunteering at the YMCA and coaching another youth girls’ team.

“I want to instill in the girl’s confidence, and the ability to try even if you might fail. I also know the importance of teaching fundamentals from an early age. It’s a way I enjoy giving back. I’m so grateful for all the coaches that gave that to me as a kid,” said Chamy.