Nowadays, students know her as Ms. Griffith or Coach Griff. Our math and health teacher, head volleyball coach, and assistant softball coach. But to the surprise of many students, back in the late 80s, Griffith was known as a star athlete around Arcata High.
Participating in varsity volleyball, basketball, and softball, she eventually went Division I on full scholarship at St. Mary’s College for both volleyball and softball. To summarize her high school career, Griffith was featured in an article honoring her as the October Soroptomist in 1988:
“Many call her Arcata’s star female athlete, and a fitting title it is. Laurie has led the Tigers to victory in softball, volleyball, and basketball. In fact, she was named an all-county star in both softball and volleyball, was MVP in various tournaments, and was named all-tourney for several tournaments. She was also named Female Athlete of the Year for 1987/88.”
The Pepperbox archives from Griffith’s years at AHS hold a lot of memories. Flipping through, you can find an article featuring her name and highlighting her athletic performance almost every other page.
“Laurie Griffith pitched a perfect game and brought in four RBI’s.”
“Laurie Griffith pitched another perfect game.”
“Laurie Griffith (pitcher) also received the MVP award.”
“Laurie Griffith was the key for the Tigers. Laurie pumped in a game-high 23 points.”
“The pitcher for Arcata High, Laurie Griffith, was untouched. Not one single hit was gotten by the Cubs.”
“In the fourth game, the Loggers exhibited how not to play volleyball, while Laurie Griffith put on a clinic on how to play.”
Walking through these halls, most students don’t realize the secret celebrity that Griffith really is. Once called a “once in a generation athlete,” she has truly left her mark on AHS.
“You don’t appreciate something until you’ve already been through it,” Laurie Griffith said. “Just how fun it was, having opportunities to travel and be part of a team. You really don’t get that after high school unless you play in college. You’ve got the rest of your life to work, have fun, and get involved.”
