A Big change of heart, scenery ... Rewers, a Lake City High product, transfers from Hawaii to Michigan State

Rewers, a Lake City product, transfers from Hawaii to Michigan State

In Hawaii, it’s easy to get caught up in the scenery and weather.

It happened for Lauren Rewers during her three years as a member of the Hawaii women’s basketball team.

Sometimes, things change.

“Hawaii has done a lot for me,” Rewers said. “I wasn’t in the best shape as a senior (at Lake City). I came in my freshman year, lost a bunch of weight and got into the best shape of my life. The biggest thing is I started to see some plateaus and my confidence grew.”

Rewers opted to enter the NCAA transfer portal and that stay was brief, signing to play at Michigan State on April 24.

“The biggest thing to me was I wanted to grow more physically and in the game,” Rewers said. “Hawaii did a lot for me, and helping me improve my conditioning.”

At first, Rewers wasn’t sure how the process was going to work out.

“Because of the coronavirus, there were so many in the portal, and I was kind of worried that with only one year left, I was going to get lost in it,” Rewers said. “I was a little worried about my recruiting. The next night, my phone was blowing up. I was surprised because I wasn’t sure how the whole thing was going to work. After the first two or three days, and in doing my own research, I knew what I wanted and it made the decision a little easier. Michigan State saw my film and I caught their eye, and feel like it’s a good fit for me.”

Rewers, a 6-foot-4 center, played three seasons for the Rainbow Wahine. Last season as a junior, she averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. She led Hawaii in blocked shots last season (19) which was ninth in the Big West Conference.

“I’ve had transferring in the back of my mind since my sophomore year,” Rewers said. “I just wanted something different and didn’t feel like I was getting to where I needed to be. I just wanted more, and coming into my senior year, I didn’t want any regrets and wanted my happiness.”

The NCAA is discussing making one-time transfers eligible immediately. If adopted, Rewers will be eligible immediately. If not, she’ll redshirt during the 2020-21 season.

“Lauren is a versatile post player that will help us add depth to our center position,” Michigan State coach Suzy Merchant said in a release announcing Rewers’ transfer. “Her ability to block shots, score with her back to the basket, as well as face up and extend the defense will make an immediate impact on the court.”

Being in Hawaii wasn’t a downfall Rewers added.

“It was a beautiful place,” Rewers said. “The island, and the weather was a plus. I made the decision to go there because of the coaching staff, and it’s a great place to play. There’s a real welcoming feeling. It was a fun place to play and great experience for my three years.”

The Big Ten Conference had three teams ranked in the final Associated Press poll — Northwestern (11), Indiana (20) and Iowa (21).

“I’ve always felt more comfortable against tougher competition,” Rewers said. “The transition will be a little harder between conferences, but I’m not too nervous. I’m excited to get on campus and start working with the team.”

Brooklyn Rewers, Lauren’s younger sister is entering her senior year at Lake City.

“She’s been going through the recruiting thing by herself for the last two years and is getting recruited by some Power Five schools,” Lauren said. “She was going through the process, and it was just her, and now it’s both of us and it’s been a different experience. Sometimes, you make a choice when you’re 17 and sometimes, you grow up and change. For her, I’m just making sure she does her research.”