From the Basketball Court to the Clinic

Meet Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Larissa Lurken, and learn how her love for kids and a life of sports led to a career in health care.

For Larissa Lurken, becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner wasn't something that happened all at once. It was a path shaped by early experiences, strong role models, and lessons learned both in and outside of the gym.

Now part of the Willmar pediatrics team, Larissa brings energy, empathy, and a team-focused mindset to her work with kids and families. These days, her schedule may be filled with checkups and clinic visits, but the focus and drive she had as a Division I basketball player are still part of who she is.

Inspired Early On

Larissa grew up in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where she got an up-close look at health care through her mom's occupation in the inpatient pediatric rehab area with Gillette Children's.

"Many of her patients are there due to severe spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries," Larissa said. "I grew up visiting her in the facility and even participated in research studies as a child. She always spoke so highly of her profession and how rewarding her work was. Her work ethic and dedication to improving the lives of children who have experienced life-altering events led both my sister and I to pursue careers in health care."

Before becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner, Larissa worked for several years in the inpatient orthopedic/surgical unit at Gillette. That experience gave her a strong foundation in physical development and recovery, especially with kids.

"I thought it was a perfect transition from sports to nursing given that there is a lot of orthopedic talk in sports," shared Larissa. "Fortunately for me, I never dealt with a lot of injuries despite all those years of being active. I learned a lot through the injuries of teammates and being involved with the orthopedics team at Gillette. Now, I get to use that knowledge to inform clinical decisions I make with my patients."

When it came time for Larissa to select a specialty, pediatrics seemed like a natural fit.

"I've always had a special place in my heart for kids," Larissa says with a smile. "They're resilient, and they have this energy and honesty that I really appreciate."

Lessons from the Court

As a Division I athlete at Kent State, Larissa spent years developing skills that have stuck with her.

"Sports teach athletes countless life lessons," she said. "Many of the skills I have today, I developed through athletics."

Being a student-athlete taught her how to manage her time, stay calm under pressure, solve problems, and work as part of a team. She also holds an impressive career summary from her time at Kent State in both academics and athletics.

• NCAA record holder in single season free throws made (280)
• Kent State record holder in single season scoring (752) and scoring average (23.5)
• Kent State career leader in three-pointers made and attempted (212 and 655)
• Became 20th 1,000-point scorer in Kent State history on November 25 against No. 5 Baylor
• Academic All-MAC and Academic All-American Team honors

Larissa encourages kids to try sports or any kind of extracurricular activity, not just for the physical benefits but for the personal growth that comes with it.

Starting a New Chapter in Willmar

After finishing graduate school, Willmar stood out as a place where Larissa could begin her career, grow professionally, and feel connected to the community.

"Everyone here was so welcoming," she said. "It felt like the right place to start this next chapter."

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, Larissa helps make it easier for families in the area to access pediatric care. She values being part of a team that puts children's health and well-being first.

"I feel like my role has allowed us to expand our pediatrics department and give more children the chance to be seen," Larissa said. "I hope families can see how much we care about keeping kids in this community safe and healthy."

Staying Active, Staying Connected

While Larissa's competitive basketball days are behind her, sports are still a big part of her life. She stays active with friends and enjoys pickup games of basketball, softball, and even hockey.

"Sports will always be a huge part of my life," she shared. "I've picked up volleyball recently, which has been a lot of fun. I have a great group of friends who are always up for a game."

She still keeps an eye on the game, especially at the collegiate level.

"I tend to follow college basketball more than professional, but I still support all of our Minnesota teams," she said. "I mostly keep up with the women's team at my alma mater, Kent State, and a few others where I know the players or coaches."

One of her favorite memories from her collegiate career was playing against the University of Minnesota. "Nothing compares to playing at the biggest school in my hometown state, where I would often attend games as a child," she recalled. "Getting to play in front of so many family members and friends made it extra special."

Each year, Larissa enjoys returning to Kent State for an alumni game, where former players face off against one another.

Making a Difference, On and Off the Court

Larissa sees a clear connection between her passion for athletics and her role in pediatric care. Whether it's encouraging kids to get active or applying lessons she learned as an athlete to her clinical work, the two worlds continue to blend.

"I want families to know we're here for them," she said. "We want every child to feel supported and every parent to feel heard."

For Larissa, whether she's on the court or in the clinic, it's always about working hard, showing up for her team, and doing everything she can to help others succeed.