Army West Point Athletics
Black Knight Spotlight - Lauren Teal
September 19, 2007 | General
1. What does it mean to you to be able to play volleyball at West Point?
Playing volleyball here has been a great experience for me. Not only have I grown and improved as a player, I have been able to play with some really great young ladies who inspire me everyday to continue to play. I also love that I get to represent such a good school in the athletic arena.
2. What is the best thing about being an athlete at West Point?
Everyday is a challenge. Its hard to go down to practice everyday after a long day of class, but when we all get there and start working hard, its awesome to see what the team can accomplish and how we can improve everyday.
3. What is the most difficult thing?
The most difficult thing about being an athlete here is traveling on the weekends and missing a lot of class. It’s hard to keep up and it gets frustrating sometimes.
4. What is your fondest sports memory that you have had since arriving at West Point?
Any hard-fought game in which the team pulled together to win is awesome. Any time we go to five games with a team fighting for every point to win makes the outcome is so rewarding.
5. What adjustments have you had to make since arriving here?
a. Socially
I’ve had to put my social life on the backburner during the week. School and volleyball are my priorities, so being around my friends is hard. But, its nice to have the social network that the volleyball team shares because going to practice is essentially being around my friends for a couple of hours a day.
b. Athletically
Its been a big adjustment to learn that I can’t always give 100% everyday. Some days you can’t physically play at the top of your game and you just don’t have 100 to give. However, if you give all you have that day, you’re still going to be successful.
c. Academically
I’ve really had to learn how to manage my time academically. There isn’t enough time in the day to finish everything, but I’ve learned to prioritize to be successful.
6. Why did you decide to come to West Point? What were some of the deciding factors? Who or what influenced your decision?
I initially decided to come to West Point because I wanted to attend a really good academic school and I wanted to play volleyball as well. Now that I’ve been here for a while, I’ve realized that I decided to stay at West Point because I want to go into the Army and continue challenge myself.
7. What do you enjoy doing during your “down time”?
I like to read, talk to my family, and I love to do crossword puzzles.
8. Which branch are you planning on entering following graduation?
I want to branch Medical Service.
9. What makes athletes at West Point unique from athletes at other schools?
We have learned to completely maximize our time. We can spend all day in classes that make up a challenging academic load. At the end of the day, we go to practice, work hard, and are still able to focus and be competitive.
10. What is the best thing about being a cadet?
The best thing about being a cadet is definitely being around the Corps. I have made some awesome friends here, and I get to be around them all the time, representing the school and the Army.
