University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers in the Pros: Lauren Gibbemeyer
5/6/2019 8:14:00 AM | Volleyball
Gophersports.com caught up with volleyball alumna Lauren Gibbemeyer as she just completed her eighth professional volleyball season this past weekend. After playing six years in Italy, Gibbemeyer made the jump to the Turkey this year. She helped her pro team, Eczacibasi VitrA, to a second-place finish in the Turkish league this past weekend. Gibbemeyer played for the Gophers from 2007-2010. During her four-year career, the former All-American hit .336 in her career and still holds the school record for total blocks with 591. Read more on Gibbemeyer's past season, what she'll be up to this summer, and what advice she's giving to younger volleyball players getting ready for their professional careers.
This is your first year playing in Turkey. How have you been able to improve and learn from making the transition to this league?
Playing my first season in Turkey has taught me a lot about adjusting to different styles of playing and coaching. After playing in Italy for the past six years, I had gotten accustomed to a certain lifestyle and gym culture, but this profession is always changing and I believe that I've learned the skills necessary to adapt. Aside from that, I've been able to learn a great deal by playing alongside some of the best players in the world. My teammates inspire me and our practices are consistently held at a very high level.
Talk to us about your team and what it's been like to play with them?
My team's name is Eczacibasi VitrA and they have been one of the top clubs in Europe for many years. It is an honor to play for them and to be exposed to such a high level of volleyball on a daily basis. In the Turkish league, there are many foreigners so it is always a fun mixture of people trying to accomplish the same goals together.
What's been most memorable for you off the court playing in Turkey?
Istanbul is a really spectacular city filled with beautiful places and great food. My most fond memories of Istanbul outside of the volleyball court is definitely getting brunch or going out to dinner with my teammates or with the other Americans also playing in Istanbul.
What's next for you after the professional season?
Once my pro season finishes, I will be able to go home to Minnesota for about a week, then I'll head out to California to train with USA. We have three big tournaments this summer including VNL, the Olympic Qualifier, and World Cup. VNL will begin right away so I will have a few weeks of training before heading to that competition.
What advice do you have for any younger volleyball players who will be competing professionally for the first time?
My advice for players about to start their first professional season is to reach out to Americans that have played for the club you're interested in, gather information about the country and it's culture, and make sure you know what your priorities are before deciding on a contract. Are you interested in getting experience with the Mikasa ball? Don't go to Italy then. Are you looking to play at the highest level? Ask about top leagues. Are you looking to play or do you mind riding the bench for a while before your gain more experience? Ask yourself these questions and many more to get clear on what is important for you and your volleyball career!
Go Gophers!! ♥️
This is your first year playing in Turkey. How have you been able to improve and learn from making the transition to this league?
Playing my first season in Turkey has taught me a lot about adjusting to different styles of playing and coaching. After playing in Italy for the past six years, I had gotten accustomed to a certain lifestyle and gym culture, but this profession is always changing and I believe that I've learned the skills necessary to adapt. Aside from that, I've been able to learn a great deal by playing alongside some of the best players in the world. My teammates inspire me and our practices are consistently held at a very high level.
Talk to us about your team and what it's been like to play with them?
My team's name is Eczacibasi VitrA and they have been one of the top clubs in Europe for many years. It is an honor to play for them and to be exposed to such a high level of volleyball on a daily basis. In the Turkish league, there are many foreigners so it is always a fun mixture of people trying to accomplish the same goals together.
What's been most memorable for you off the court playing in Turkey?
Istanbul is a really spectacular city filled with beautiful places and great food. My most fond memories of Istanbul outside of the volleyball court is definitely getting brunch or going out to dinner with my teammates or with the other Americans also playing in Istanbul.
What's next for you after the professional season?
Once my pro season finishes, I will be able to go home to Minnesota for about a week, then I'll head out to California to train with USA. We have three big tournaments this summer including VNL, the Olympic Qualifier, and World Cup. VNL will begin right away so I will have a few weeks of training before heading to that competition.
What advice do you have for any younger volleyball players who will be competing professionally for the first time?
My advice for players about to start their first professional season is to reach out to Americans that have played for the club you're interested in, gather information about the country and it's culture, and make sure you know what your priorities are before deciding on a contract. Are you interested in getting experience with the Mikasa ball? Don't go to Italy then. Are you looking to play at the highest level? Ask about top leagues. Are you looking to play or do you mind riding the bench for a while before your gain more experience? Ask yourself these questions and many more to get clear on what is important for you and your volleyball career!
Go Gophers!! ♥️
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