By Trevor Wenners
Assistant Director of Sports Information
There is a difference between liking to win and hating to lose.
Every student-athlete wants to win, but some have a killer instinct that makes losing nearly unbearable.
Lauren Johnson, a standout basketball player at LaGrange College from 2014-18, fits into that category, as she played every game like it was her last.
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| Lauren Johnson did whatever it took to win during her Panther career. |
"I do not like to lose in anything," said Johnson, who works as a corporate recruiter at the financial-technology company named Zenmonics Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. "I had a very competitive drive on the court, and I was out there to do whatever it took to win. It is such a rewarding feeling to give it your all on the court and come out with a win, since every game mattered. The team's success was most important to me."
The Panthers posted a 63-44 record during Johnson's four-year career, qualifying for the USA South playoffs all four years. During Johnson's first two seasons, the Panthers reached the semifinals of the USA South Tournament, posting an 11-5 record in the conference during each season.
It was evident that Johnson was not a typical rookie. She made an impact from the moment that she stepped onto campus, appearing in 26-of-27 games and making 19 starts during the 2014-15 season. She averaged 7.5 points and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting 76.2 percent from the foul line.
Johnson served as a team captain during her junior and senior campaigns, averaging 14.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game in 2017-18. During a win over Wesleyan on Jan. 25, 2018, she poured in a career-high 26 points on 10-for-14 shooting from the floor and a 4-for-6 effort from 3-point range. Three days later, she reached the 1,000-point plateau against USA South-rival Maryville.
"I had the opportunity to play with some great players," said Johnson, who majored in business with a concentration in sports management. "One of the reasons for this success was that we were all close on and off the court. Head coach Lee Buchanan had us set team and individual goals every year. The team was always motivated, dedicated and willing to work diligently."
Johnson's resume in a Panthers' uniform is extraordinary. She was named to the USA South Second Team West Division as a senior, while also receiving All-Conference Honorable Mention honors in her sophomore season. During her rookie season, Johnson was the Panthers' representative on the USA South All-Sportsmanship Team.
She is 1-of-5 athletes to score over a 1,000 points in program history, as she ranks fifth with 1,092. The Canton, Georgia, native ranks fourth in career assists (197), fourth in steals (163), fifth in field goals made (370), sixth in free throws made (253), seventh in points per game (10.4) and ninth in 3-pointers made (99).
Johnson was a consistent source of production, as she suited up for 105 out of 107 games, making 95 starts. She recorded seven steals at Piedmont on Feb. 2, 2018, which is tied for the fourth most in a single game in program history.
"It is truly an honor to be ranked in some of the all-time records," said Johnson. "Going into LaGrange, I knew I wanted to make a positive impact, but I did not know that I would be able to accomplish all of this. It required 100 percent dedication and commitment. Being a collegiate student-athlete also required sacrifice, but the achievements were well worth it."
Johnson took some time to reflect on her time at LaGrange, while also talking about her fondest memory as a Panther.
Q: What do you miss most about attending LaGrange?
A: Two of the things I miss most about LaGrange are the friendships and my teammates. I have made lifelong friendships through LaGrange. I loved the atmosphere of being at a smaller school, where I got the chance to know most people on campus, including my professors.
Q: Could you talk about how you became a lockdown defender and a versatile player?
A: I loved playing an aggressive, swarming defense. It sets the tone on both ends of the court. I wanted to contribute to the game in many ways, whether that meant getting a crucial stop or a steal. I also took a great deal of pride in being able to score when we needed a basket.
Q: What was your leadership style?
A: I was a steady leader. I was not the most vocal leader on the floor, however, I led by example. I did not overreact to high pressure or stressful game situations on the court, so people could not tell whether I was having a good or bad game. Controlling your emotions in tough situations is a life lesson.
Q: How did the skills that you learned as a student-athlete help you in your professional career?
A: Being a student-athlete was the most valuable experience I received from attending LaGrange. There were many different aspects of being a student-athlete that directly apply to my daily work life, such as time management, working under high pressure, being a team player and having a strong work ethic.
Q: What was your best memory as a Panther?
A: My best memory was playing at Mariotti Gym against Piedmont and winning, 57-56, with a last-second buzzer beater by Madison Barker '16 on Feb. 4, 2015. The gym was packed, and the crowd rushed the floor. I was in the middle and got trampled to the ground. That was one of the most exciting games that I have played in and something that I will never forget about my LaGrange experience.
Q: What makes the Division III level of athletics unique?
A: Division III is unique because it requires dedication, hard work and sacrifice just like Division I and II, except we do not receive athletic scholarships. We play for the love of the sport. I witnessed and played against some very talented athletes throughout my career at the Division III level. It was just as competitive.
Q: What are five adjectives that best describe you?
A: Competitive, dependable, driven, motivated and determined.
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
