Lauren Wiese recollects that growing up, her parents had a two-year rule for trying a new sport: one year to get acclimated to the game and another to determine if they truly enjoyed it. Volleyball has passed both barometer points for Lauren–finding a new passion as an all-tier force and leader for H-K volleyball.

The H-K middle hitter tried her hand at softball, cheerleading, and lacrosse when she was younger. After seeing her stature as a freshman, Lauren’s parents pushed her towards trying her length on the volleyball court. Three years later, the junior worked her way up to a captain position and led a youthful Cougars’ club back to the Class S State Tournament quarterfinals after graduating several seniors from a state finals berth the year prior.

“I love being at the net and playing aggressively. It is also a true team sport where you need all the pieces working to win. It is also great playing the sport with your friends, as well,” says Lauren. “Having motivation is important for me. I am not where I am now without the people around me with my coaches and teammates. Another thing that has helped me is realizing that I am always playing for something bigger than myself.”

Playing up front and center, Lauren is in full scope of all the action. Her role on a given play may change on a dime, but no matter the mission for each point, she is determined to do everything within her grasp to be the ultimate impact player for the team.

“A big part of being a middle hitter is that you are also blocking on other sides. Without blocking, you are basically giving the other team an open net,” says Lauren. “The position is a lot of work with going back and forth and going for fakes, hits, and transitioning. Yet it is really fun because I know I am helping out the team and making an impact. I know I need to be firing on all cylinders.”

Lauren sees the bigger picture when she vaults her way to the net, as she wants to give back to her biggest cheerleaders who always have her back. She adds that in a sport where miscues are almost inevitable, Lauren explains that you always have to roll with the punches.

“Again, knowing that I am playing for something bigger than me is huge for me. I am playing for all the fans in the stands supporting us, along with my teammates and coaches. I have such a big support system around me,” Lauren says. “I try not to get too in my head. I know that I will not always play the best, but I must do my best. I also need to know how to bounce back from mistakes.”

H-K sported a much younger core when stepping back onto the hardwood this fall. So Lauren took it upon herself to produce the premiere example of how to be the best well-rounded scholar and athlete in taking underclassmen under her wing.

“As a captain, it is important to lead on the court. We had a young team, so I wanted to let them know it is okay to make mistakes,” says Lauren. “It was also important for me to show my best to them when I was on the court, along with being my best in the classroom as well.”

H-K volleyball Head Coach Robin Callender explains that Lauren was a textbook example of what a captain should be. She not only works tirelessly to better herself, but she is also in tune with her coaches’ advice while communicating their message to her teammates.

“Lauren has dedicated numerous hours to improving her skills and ability to perform at a higher level of play. Each season, the coaches have seen a significant improvement and growth in her skill level, along with her confidence to play smarter and more consistently, especially when the match is on the line,” says Callender. “Lauren’s dedication and commitment to her team makes her a valuable asset to her teammates. As a captain, she was always thoughtful and kind to her team and enjoyed the role of leading and influencing them in a positive way. Lauren has always been receptive to her coaches’ advice, and that is why she is so coachable. She would always listen effectively and do her best to perform the task at hand.”

The incredible ride to the championship stage last campaign really fueled the Cougars’ confidence after attaining a spot they did not think was reachable. But no matter the day, venue, or opponent, they knew that nothing was impossible, thanks to tremendous cohesion.

“When we made the finals last year,we could not believe we did it. But yet after it, we knew we could do it again,” Lauren says. “We also have a great team dynamic on and off the court. The connections we have off the court allowed us to play our game on it by being a well-connected team.”

Even though the dust just settled on the 2024 campaign trail for the Cougars, Lauren notes that the friendships must not cease in the offseason. As she looks towards her spring season with lacrosse, she is ready to prepare for her senior year and beyond by utilizing teachable moments to the max.

“Our season ended in the state quarterfinals this year, but I want us to stay together. We need to show up for each other,” says Lauren. “For me, the door to play in college is still open, but for now, I want to take the learning experiences I have gained from volleyball and apply them to lacrosse and life.”