In this new "Where Are They Now" series, we take a closer look at the lives of former Raider athletes and how their experiences at Randolph shaped them into the individuals they are today. Our first feature highlights Laura (Van Peursem) Kofskey, a standout volleyball and basketball player from the Class of 2013.

During her years at Randolph, Laura was a force on both the volleyball court and the basketball hardwood. She earned various team and individual awards, including All-Area honors in both sports, and reached the milestone of 1,000 career points in basketball. Laura’s contributions to Randolph Athletics didn’t go unnoticed, setting volleyball school records for Most Career Blocks (310), Most Kills in a Single Season (352), and Most Blocks in a Single Season (104). She was also a two-time Offensive MVP and a 2012 4A All-State award winner. Her athletic success and leadership earned her respect as a four-year letter winner in both sports.

After graduating from Randolph, Laura continued her athletic career at Division III Birmingham-Southern College, where she played volleyball and basketball from 2013 to 2017. At BSC, Laura helped her basketball team capture a Conference Championship while earning All-Conference SAA honors in both sports. She quickly became a dominant player in both volleyball and basketball, ranking in the top five in three career blocking records for volleyball and second in Career Rebounds for basketball. Laura also set records in Blocked Shots, holding the Single-Season and Career marks for a time before slipping to second.

In recognition of her accomplishments, Laura was inducted into the Birmingham-Southern Hall of Fame for both volleyball and basketball—an honor that speaks to her legacy at the institution. Her success in college athletics reflects the work ethic and determination she developed at Randolph, where she was encouraged to embrace a wide range of activities beyond sports.

Today, Laura serves as a Physician Assistant at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, working with the lung transplant team. She describes her career as incredibly rewarding, helping patients through a complex and critical area of healthcare. Laura credits her time at Randolph for giving her the well-rounded experiences and broad skill set that allowed her to succeed, both academically and athletically, at Birmingham-Southern and in her professional life.

"Randolph brought a lot of incredible people into my life, including my husband Alex," Laura shared. "As student-athletes, we were always encouraged to participate in as many clubs, sports, and extracurriculars as possible. I have fond memories of playing in the pep band for the men’s basketball game, still in my basketball uniform. Randolph helped me enter college with more experiences and a broader skill set."

Laura’s journey from a standout athlete at Randolph to a Hall of Fame honoree at Birmingham-Southern and now a dedicated medical professional showcases the lasting impact of Randolph Athletics. Her story is a testament to the core values and skills instilled in Raiders athletes—lessons that carry far beyond the playing field.

For our current Raiders, Laura's story is an inspiring reminder of how hard work, versatility, and community support can pave the way for lifelong success.