Athlete of the Week: Lauren Hochstetler

Sarasota High School’s Lauren Hochstetler comes from an athletic family. Both of her parents played college basketball, and she got her start in volleyball by tagging along to the games her mother coached. The 17-year-old junior says she has a competitive spirit and is a natural leader. This week, she lets the Sarasota Observer join her on the court.

What do you consider to be your strongest point as a player?
Being able to play multiple positions. I know I can play multiple front- and back-row positions. I play outside right now.

How do you try to improve on areas with which you struggle?
I just try to be aggressive all the time. I can be complacent and not go all out, so I just focus and try to think that my team is counting on me to bring my game.

Do you have a certain role on the team?
I think I’m in a leadership position; I’ve been captain for two years, so I kind of try to be the intense person to motivate the team.

What is your favorite aspect of the game?
I like the competitiveness and how unpredictable it is. Any team can beat anyone on any given time.

How do you think you have performed this season? What about your team?
Good — I think this year I’ve definitely been a more dominant person on the floor.
We all get along, and I think we gel together pretty well. We’re able to critique each other and not take it personally.

Who are your athletic heroes?
I would say my parents. They both played basketball in college, and they have the competitiveness in them, so I strive to be as good as them.

What is the best sports advice you have ever received?
There’s a quote from Michael Jordan that talks about how no matter how many times he shot the game-winning point and missed, he never gave up and still took the shot when his team wanted him to.