695: How did you get started playing ball?
Lauren: I started playing basketball because it’s something that I was around a lot at a young age. I was around sports in general but my biological father, Darryl Tolson, played ball at Old Dominion, so it ran in my blood. I began playing organized basketball around 8 years old in rec leagues. I always played up one older age group to play with my sister, Jazmin
(freshman at Chowan Univ). Ever since then, basketball has been a passion and something I do because I love to.
695: Where did you grow up?
Lauren: I grew up in three areas over the course of my 17 years of life. In my toddler years I lived in Fort Washington, MD. From there I moved to Columbia, MD, and then onto my current residence of Frederick County. I've been in Frederick going on about 10 years. That is where my basketball career mainly started.
695: Which AAU teams have you played for?
Lauren: I've played for quite a few teams. Blue Ridge Force was the name of my first AAU team, then I played for High Octane, MD Panthers, Germantown Lady Panthers, and my last AAU team that I was a part of was the MD Flames. I also most recently played in the fall for Nikki Teasley Assist which was coached by Mike Teasley.
695: You recently committed to the University of Richmond. What made you choose them?
Lauren: University of Richmond is like a home to me, it’s what I've always been looking for. UR has a beautiful campus, the academics are excellent, and the athletic programs are successful too! The women’s coaching staff at The University Of Richmond are very welcoming. Their coaches seem to really care about their players and their program. I can't wait to learn from them and play for them.
695: Talk about the recruiting process and how the experience was for you...
Lauren: It was a little hectic and not at all what I expected. When you get lots of letters from schools you think automatically they want you but the real interest is not given or made known until its actually time to see the school and or coaching staffs. They all make their schools seem so appealing but you have to do what’s best for you.
695: Your team made a great run to a state championship last year. How was that experience?
Lauren: It was great. We knew from day one this was going to be a special team. With Rachel, Lanasia, and my sister Jazmin we did not think too many teams could hang with us in terms of guard play. I would take my chances against anybody with that tandem on my side. No one really thought we could do it which is why it was so special . Aberdeen was a great opponent. It was thrilling to be on that type of stage with all the fans, family and school support. We knew at the start that we had a special team and that it was our year to do big things! It was also special because I did it with my sister and Rachel- we have been playing together since I was in 6th grade and they were in the 7th.
695: That's awesome. That was by far the best game of the season that I saw. How did you guys celebrate the win?
Lauren: We celebrated with our families, friends and well wishers from all over the city of Frederick, and we even got to go the State House in Annapolis. We also got rings. Each member of the team got one and it’s the most beautiful ring I have ever seen thus far. I will always cherish the memories and of course my championship ring.
695: What do you want to add to your game for college?
Lauren: I want to work on my playmaking ability, and ball handling in traffic.I know I can score, but my dad tells me a great player makes everybody around them better, so that’s what I’m currently working on.
695: What are you going to major in?
Lauren: Either Sports Medicine, Biology or something in the medical field.
695: What are you listening to on your Ipod these days?
Lauren: Drake, Weezie, Nikki Minaj, the usual hot artists, and I like old school slow jams.
695: What's your all time favorite movie?
Lauren: Love and Basketball.
695: Man, everybody loves that movie. If you could hang out with one person you've never met for a day, who would it be and why?
Lauren: President Obama. Lets take the Air Force One for a flight(laughing).
695: Thanks and good luck the rest of the way Lauren.
Lauren: Thanks.