Lauren Hurst.
photo by Gina Allison
When Lauren Hurst walked through the doors of Cleveland High School Friday morning she had no idea of the news awaiting her on the other side of the doors.
Hurst, a sophomore outside hitter for the state champion Lady Raiders volleyball team, added another accolade to her already impressive resume with the news she had been chosen the Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year.
“I heard this morning that I won it from our athletics director, Al Morris,” said Hurst. “I'm really thankful and surprised that I got it, but I'm really happy.”
Hurst came to the attention of the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection committee after being recommended by CHS assistant principal Karen Hall.
“There are people that recommend you. Mrs. Hall wrote a recommendation for me. She wrote a great recommendation for me,” Hurst said.
Mrs. Hall may have sent in the recommendation, but Hurst's stats speak for themselves.
As a MaxPreps.com Second Team All-American, the 6-foot-2 hitter helped lead the Lady Raiders to a 49-5 record while recording 647 kills and 354 digs with 94 service aces, 73 assists and 61 blocks. Hurst posted a .438 kill percentage on the attack. In the state volleyball tournament she recorded 19 kills in the championship final against Collierville.
Hurst said she hopes to continue her success and credited her coaches and teammates for her success in achieving the Gatorade award.
“It's just my sophomore year, so hopefully I can try to get it again,” she said. “I wouldn't have been able to have done it without (CHS head coach coach) Amy McGowan, (assistant coach) Daniel Millsaps and my whole team. My sister (Addison) and Kinsley (McGowan) and everyone.”
McGowan said Hurst was certainly a crucial part of the success of the Lady Raiders.
“I am obviously excited for Lauren,” said McGowan. “She has been a major force for us and helped us to achieve our goal of a state championship. We have her for two more years and I have no doubt she will continue to get better and better before she moves on to the next level.”
Hurst, who also plays basketball for the Lady Raiders, plans to keep current with what is happening in the volleyball world, but is currently focused on helping her basketball team make a run for the state title before once again turning her attention to the horizontal net.
“Right now, for volleyball, it's just to keep working and staying on top of everything. Then, hopefully, for basketball, win a state championship for both,” she said.
Hurst said she has not yet decided which fork in the road she will take when it comes tome to make a college decision, but feel the time will come soon enough.
“I'm not sure sure which sport I want to do (in college), but hopefully I'll know soon,” said Hurst.
(Contact Richard Roberts at richardvolss55@yahoo.com)