Lauren Steen '17 Recruiting Profile

As a daughter of a volleyball coach, I have been around volleyball my entire life. From the time I could walk, to now, my junior year, I've played volleyball. Because I was the daughter of the coach people automatically believed I was only on the team because I was related to the coach. I knew at that point I had to prove I had a right to be on the team and earned my setting position fairly. I attended various volleyball camps out of school to get extra training such as Michigan State setting camp and Sports Performance setting camp in Chicago, Illinois and played AAU volleyball for Next Generation. Being the daughter of a successful volleyball coach did come to my advantage though. Watching seasons upon seasons of volleyball helped me learn the game quickly and evolve my volleyball IQ. Unfortunately living in the country made it more difficult to find a club near me, so for every practice I drive myself an hour each way to my club practices. Sometimes I would have to drive an hour and half each way.  While in club season I ran varsity track too which helped me become great at time management.

    Not only am I a leader on the court, but off the court as well. I am an active member of National Honor Society, student council and a class officer. Being involved in these organizations has given me the opportunity to give back to the community. For example I have helped with Habitat for Humanity, making and donating food baskets during the holidays and raising money for families locally in fundraisers such as Coins for Kids and Julie's Kids. Also on weekends I volunteer at the soup kitchen at my local church and help with Vacation Bible School in the summer.

    Playing volleyball in college has always been a dream of mine ever since I was a little girl. I will continue to work hard in season and train in the off season to continue to better myself and achieve my goal of playing volleyball at the collegiate level.