University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers in the Pros: Lauren Gibbemeyer
1/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Gophersports.com caught up with Gopher alum Lauren Gibbemeyer. Playing with the Golden Gophers from 2007-10, Gibbemeyer was a two-time AVCA All-American and a Volleyball Magazine All-American her senior year. A middle blocker for the Maroon and Gold, Gibbemeyer ranks first in school history in total career blocks (591), block assists (501) and third in attack percentage (.336). Following her collegiate career, Gibbemeyer turned professional and is currently on the Pomi VBC in Casalmaggiore, Italy. Check out this brief question/answer session with Gibbemeyer as she's in the middle of her pro season.
Gophersports: You've been playing professionally for a few years now, what is the transition like going from collegiate to professional volleyball?
Lauren Gibbemeyer: The transition from college to professional volleyball is definitely a big jump. In college you are playing with people who are relatively the same age as you and from similar cultures/backgrounds. When we go overseas to play pro, it is literally a whole new world. Not only are you immersed in a different culture, but you are surrounded by teammates from many different countries and who are in different phases of their lives (ex. Sometimes there is a 10+ age gap!). Going with the flow was an important thing for me to learn as I made my first transition!
GS: You're with the same team as last year that won the Italian Championship. What was the experience like?
LG: I had an absolute blast last year winning the Italian Championship with my teammates! It was one of those "sport movie" feel-good success stories where no one believed that we could have won because we were the underdogs. Our strength was our team unity and I will never forget that season and the impact it had on my life. I'm so happy to be back playing with that team this year as we have another opportunity to do something special again!
GS: Whats your favorite professional sports moment so far?
LG: My most favorite sports moment so far is winning the Italian championship last year as the underdogs. I have never been on a team that fought so hard for one another and with so much passion and heart.
GS: Getting to visit a few places, what's been some of your favorite places/seeing seeing spots?
LG: My favorite places I've seen while playing volleyball professionally include Red Square in Moscow, the Dolomites mountain range in northern Italy, Florence Italy, and the Rappongi area in Tokyo Japan.
GS: Do you still check in on Gopher Volleyball once in a while?
LG: I still follow the Gopher Volleyball team on all sorts of social media and I was super excited for their Final Four run this past season! I know how amazing it is to make it that far, and I think there is more to come for them!
