Former NAU Golfer Earns Doctor Status Post-Graduation

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (June 19, 2019) - Former Northern Arizona women's golfer Laura D. Jabczenski recently earned a doctorate degree in medicine this past spring. Her new title of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine was earned at Midwestern University in Glendale and is something she says she would not have been able to obtain without having spent time with NAU Athletics.  

She studied biomedical science while attending NAU for her undergraduate degree and graduated as magna cum laude. From 2011-2015 Jabczenski was a vital member of the Lumberjack women's golf program. Jabczenski spent her time in Flagstaff as a dedicated student-athlete on the course and in the classroom. She was heavily involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) having served as president. She also received the prestigious Golden Eagle Award for outstanding academics for six semesters in a row here at NAU. 

A true leader and trailblazer Jabczenski utilized her position in SAAC to help create the first ever Louie awards, a night created to recognize NAU's student-athletes in the categories of athletics, academics and community service. 

Living the life of an NCAA Division I athlete is no easy feat in itself, but to be able to succeed academically and to service the community to the degree Jabczenski has is an example of true perseverance and dedication. During her time competing with the NAU golf program, she set out the goal to attend med school and become a doctor after graduation; fast forward to 2019 and she's made good on that goal. 

"Being with the NAU golf program helped me a lot with reaching this goal," said Jabczenski. "Under Brad Bedortha and the entire athletics department I was able to learn qualities such as teamwork, leadership and patience."

Jabczenski saw the 'Jacks through the program's eighth conference championship win in 2015 and an NCAA Regional showing. Not to mention many impactful moments during regular season and individual tournaments throughout her tenure at NAU. 

"Laura was a true leader and the purest example of what it means to be a student-athlete," commented head women's golf coach Brad Bedortha. "During her time here she embodied what the goal of NAU Athletics is; to graduate student-athletes while giving them the best Division I collegiate experience."

Jabczenski plans on furthering her work with a residency in emergency medicine at UC Davis. Although her time with NAU has been concluded, for now, Laura knows that the Blue & Gold of the Lumberjack faithful will always have a special place in her heart and story.

"I would not be where I am today without having been a member of the NAU golf team," added Jabczenski. "My time at NAU was a great one and it really taught me about time management. The skills I gained on and off the course will stick with me for a lifetime and I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and successes NAU has helped to bring me!"