Amanda Ronan, Auburn Media Relations Intern
Junior transfer Lauren Dorrell came to the Plains after starting her collegiate career at Colorado. The outside hitter is set to bring a competitive drive to the court for the Auburn program in 2019.
Q: When transferring, what drew you into Auburn among other schools?
A: Auburn is one of those schools you have an automatic respect for. In both middle school and high school, I always preferred/supported Auburn over Alabama which ultimately worked in my favor, ha. I was also fortunate enough to be recruited by this staff in high school and already had previous relationships with them before I decided to transfer. Of course, things were different then and I chose an opportunity I thought was better for me at the time, but if there is one thing I've learned throughout my life is that everything happens for a reason. Choosing Auburn was never a question during my transfer process. It felt life home.
Q: How has volleyball shaped your life?
A: My relationship with volleyball is not the typical player-sport story. Growing up I played almost every other sport aside from volleyball – ranging from dance, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, track and field, etc. I have always been passionate about horses so I rode and competed in Equestrian, and before I was a volleyball player I was a competitive cheerleader. In the best way possible, my parents forced me out of cheer and into volleyball right before my freshman year of high school, and even though I was upset for a while it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. I instantly fell in love with the sport, and if anything, I'm more upset that I didn't start playing volleyball earlier.
Q: What are your biggest individual and team goals for this season?
A: Individually, I want to be seen as a leader and confidant to my teammates. I've always been the type of player that wants to gain people's trust on the court and in high-pressure situations, but in order for that to happen you have to prove yourself. Naturally, I'm a very competitive person that is always hungry to win and improve every chance I get, not only for myself but for my team. I want to add that extra spark to the team and be the best we can be. My biggest goal for the team is to perform well in regular season and make it to the NCAA tournament. I learned from my previous three years playing in college that the tournament is something that cannot be taken for granted or expected. Every set and every match matter – we have to earn it.
Q: Going into each match, what is your mindset?
A: Before every match my mindset is extremely focused yet playful. Typically, I re-study the scout of the other team and remind myself of what I need to do as an individual in my position group. I almost like to be overly-prepared, but at the same I try to remember to have fun. Yes, your job as a varsity athlete is a form of business – you came to school to compete and win – but if you get too invested in the business aspect of your sport, you lose sight of your love for the game. You have to have fun and get juiced up with your team to have that same energy on the court.
Q: When things are not going your way in a game, what is the best way you remain positive?
A: The best way for me to remain positive when things aren't going my way or I'm not happy with my play is to remind myself that each point is only a partial piece of the match. Yes, I get frustrated when I make a mistake, but I know that I can't let it affect the rest of the set/match. My parents taught me two things while I play: (1) not to forgive and forget, but to learn and forget, and (2) never let my face show my frustration because that shows defeat. The more focus you put on that one mistake, the more mistakes are likely to come. I like to think about my error, figure out what I could've or should've done to avoid it, and by the time the ref blows the next whistle move on to the next play.
Q: If you could walk in somebody else's shoes for the day, who would it be and why?
A: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter. Easiest question. I have been in love with her for as long as I can remember. When I was four or five years old, I had an American Girl Doll booklet that asked who your idol was and in my scraggily little handwriting said "Beyoncé". She continues to blow my mind everyday – her poise, her work ethic, her accomplishments – there is and will never be another Beyoncé. A true legend, queen, and ultimate role model.
Q: If you could use one song to describe your life, what would it be and why?
A: Gosh, this is arguably the best question but my least favorite because I have so many it's hard to choose from. A lot of my early music taste stemmed from my brother and was mostly composed of old school hip hop, R&B, and rap. That being said I would probably have to choose "Homecoming" by Kanye West because it is one of those songs that is timeless and resonates with my childhood.
Q: What's your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: I would have to say my favorite Auburn tradition would be rolling Toomer's Corner. On my visit, I got an in-depth history lesson on Toomer's Corner and it stuck with me before and after I committed. I think the entire concept of using a telegraph to inform the city and the tradition of rolling the trees is so unique and sets Auburn apart from every other school.
Q: What's it going to be like being closer to home?
A: Ironically enough, my family had just moved back to Colorado (where I just transferred from) around a year ago, only for me to leave and head back to the southeast. Even though I was born in Colorado and my family has lived there three times prior to our last move, I don't consider that my home, home. Since both living and graduating high school in Nashville, I consider that my home of all homes because no other state has had as large as an impact on me. I am so excited to be closer to my home, and visit my other friends at other SEC schools both during and post-season. I feel so much more relaxed knowing how close I am to them and couldn't be happier.
Q: What makes you special when you're out there on the court?
A: I think what sets me apart from some and makes me "special" is my mentality and how I present myself on the court. Some people say that I'm super serious or mean business when I play, and although they're not wrong, I still enjoy and show my excitement for my teammates and their success. Volleyball is ultimately a team sport with each person being an integral component to the team, and I understand that our attitudes and energy impacts everyone. As I said earlier, I try not to show any defeat on my face or in my tone because that is neither the player I want to be, nor the teammate.
Q: What does playing on a team sport mean to you?
A: It means everything. I grew up in a family that was run by the ultimate team sport (i.e. football) and through that it has molded me in every way possible. Team sports teach life lessons you cannot learn elsewhere.
Q: What's your favorite aspect of volleyball?
A: My favorite aspect/aspects of volleyball would either be how fast paced the game is, the many ways in which you can be aggressive, or the mental aspect of it. It's a game of errors that can only be short-lived or else it can have negative effects. The sport showcases relentlessness and a constant fight between winning and losing small points.
Q: What would your dream vacation be?
A: I love to travel and have a bucket list of places I've always dreamed of visiting. If I had to choose my top three they would be Greece, Netherlands, or New Zealand. The beauty these countries/states encompass is absolutely surreal to me – I can only imagine seeing it in person.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family what would it be?
A: If I could give one message to the Auburn Family, I would have to say that I am so utterly grateful for the opportunity this school has given me. I've always loved Auburn and the expectation and respect the university, faculty, coaches, and alumni have for its students, athletes, and the school itself. There is such a strong tradition here that is hard to find at other universities across the country. From the minute I stepped on campus you could feel, hear, and see it all around you. I am so glad that I can say I am/was a student-athlete at Auburn, and will be even more proud when I can say "I graduated from Auburn University" at the end of my collegiate career. War Damn!