Senior Lauren Grover has many responsibilities.
She is a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity, the senior class president, the vice-president of the Gordie Foundation, a bible study leader, and captain of the Hillsdale College Volleyball team. As the only senior on the team, she knows a thing or two about leadership.
“Being a leader is showing up to practice everyday knowing that you are going to make the team better and being appreciative of the opportunity and challenge,” Grover said.
Grover has been playing volleyball ever since she could walk but didn’t play on a team until seventh grade. In high school and was scouted by Hillsdale volleyball coach Chris Gravel her junior and senior year. Gravel said he was looking for incoming players who could fit into the strong team he had already built.
“We had a really strong group that was going to do great things, and she was one who wanted to win,” Gravel said.
At six feet and two inches tall, Grover stands well above the average woman. She is a powerful hitter on the court, earning her the nickname “the Assassin.”
Last year, she was ranked second in the nation in blocks. She was also a vital part of last year’s squad, which made it all the way to the NCAA final-four round.
“The experience of going to the Final Four is something that I will never forget,” Grover said. “The environment and intensity brought a rush like nothing I’ve ever felt.”
Grover said playing volleyball means more to her than just winning titles and trophies. She said being an athlete is one of the most important things in her life.
“The mental and physical challenges build you into a stronger individual, and it’s a constant battle to improve yourself and your team,” she said.
Not only does Grover lead the team statistically, she has proven herself to be an exemplary teammate and leader.
“She takes on a leadership role but treats everyone the same: with respect,” Gravel said. “That’s what makes her a good leader.”
When the time came to pick a new captain at the beginning of the 2012 season, the team unanimously called on Grover.
“Lauren has been an amazing teammate and friend,” junior Sydney Lenhart said. “She has been so dedicated to this program and the college. She plays the game with love and intensity every time she steps out on the court.”
Grover said she considers the women on the volleyball team as family. She said everyone on the team wants to see everyone else succeed, and everyone wants to help each other become stronger players and better people.
“I can’t imagine my life without my teammates,” Grover said.