Lauren Chase from Riverdale Baptist recently slowed down for a few minutes to talk to me about her goals for this season and how she knew UMBC was the place for her. The 5'4" guard also told me how she likes to get her "Dougie" on and terrorize teammates on the road.

 695:  At what age did you start playing ball?

Lauren: I started playing basketball at about 4 years old

695: Where did you grow up?

Lauren: I grew up in Bowie, MD all my life.

695: What AAU teams have you played for?

Lauren: I have played for Team Excel, MD Crusaders, Team Sol, DC Love and Fairfax Stars.

695: Who is your favorite player?

Lauren: My favorite player would have to be Allen Iverson. I'm probably his biggest fan. If I could be in Turkey with him at his games I'd be there (laughing). But most recently my favorite is Rajon Rondo.

695: What other hobbies do you have besides basketball?

Lauren: I like to draw, go shopping, and spend time with family and friends.

695: What do you have on your Ipod? 

Lauren: I have a lot of Lil Wayne and Drake!

695: Can you dance? Can you do something besides a two step?

Lauren: I love to dance! (laughing) I hit my Dougie the best.


695: What did you add to your game this summer?

Lauren: Over the summer I think I added more confidence than anything. When my confidence increased keys to my game fell into place.

695. What are your goals for this high school season?

Lauren: My goals this season is to win a national championship with Riverdale Baptist and to be the number one team in the country. First Team All Met wold be nice too!

695: How was the recruiting process and how did you choose UMBC?

Lauren: The recruiting process was stressful at times but it was definitely worth it. I chose UMBC because it was a perfect fit academically and athletically. As soon as I left my first unofficial there I said to my mom "This is where I want to be." 

695: Tell me about a funny AAU road trip story....

Lauren: The funniest AAU road trip was when we went to Nike Nationals and Amber Singletary and I cut out all the lights while our teammate Kay Kay was taking a shower and was on the verge of crying while we were making weird avatar and monster noises that she oddly believed and she ran out with just her towel on. That was probably the funniest thing I had ever witnessed all summer.

695: Classic!

695: What are you going to major in at UMBC?

Lauren: Computer science.

695: Thanks and good luck this season.

Lauren: Thanks.