Lauren Crowl is a redshirt sophomore opposite from Eagan, Minn., and Eastview High School. After redshirting in 2021, she played in 11 matches (29 sets), tallying 1.28 points and 0.93 kills per set as a redshirt freshman in 2022. Defensively, she posted 0.59 blocks and 0.34 digs per set. Crowl totaled a career-high seven kills in a four-set win over Purdue on Oct. 22.
In addition to volleyball, what activities were you involved with when you were a kid? LC: I remember my parents made me try basketball but I was never big into that. I was big into hockey and volleyball from a young age. In hockey, I was a goalie when I played mites and youth hockey and then I switched to defense in middle school. I stopped playing hockey in high school when I got more serious about playing volleyball.
 Do your teammates ever ask about your hockey career? I can imagine not many others played hockey growing up. LC: The biggest time they do is when we're at a Gopher women's or men's hockey game. The new coaching staff had a lot of questions about it too, especially [assistant coaches] Kylin [Munoz] and Eric [Barber].
 Your older brother Steven is a senior in college and he plays basketball at Wisconsin. Were you two close growing up as kids? LC: Oh we were always together when we were kids. We'd always play sports and games together with the other kids in our neighborhood. As we got more serious into our sports our schedules started getting busier, but we'd still go to each other's games and support one another in any way we can.
Lauren with her brother Steven last year.Were your parents athletes growing up? LC: My mom (Stephanie) played basketball in high school and my dad (Jeff) played sports in high school too. They did not play in college.
 Was you family always Minnesotan's or did they live anywhere else? LC: I've grown up in Minnesota my whole life. My dad's family moved here from Maryland, so we still have plenty of relatives that live there. When we go to Maryland this year, I'll have some extra fan support in the crowd!
 When did you start to realize you could play volleyball at a high level? LC: I would say 14 or 15. When I was 12 and 13 I was definitely not the best player on my team. I just kept getting better, year-by-year. In club I took a big step late in middle school and my first year or high school. I kept growing, height-wise, as a freshman and sophomore in high school, and a lot of people stopped growing then.
 In high school you played at Eastview for head coach Becky Egan, who excelled at the college level (played for the Gophers from 1994-97). Was it helpful to have her in your corner to navigate the recruiting process? LC: She was definitely helpful. For Minnesota, I had watched Gopher volleyball growing up and was obviously familiar with the program. I had an interest to represent my home state, but for awhile I thought I wanted to go elsewhere and see something different. She just let me know campus could be as close or as far away from home as I made it. That helped me solidify my decision.
Lauren with her mom (Stephanie), dad (Jeff) and brother (Steven) at her high school graduation.
 What separated Minnesota from the other schools in your recruiting process? LC: When I came on my visit, everything felt super natural. I was comfortable with the team, campus and the coaching staff. I knew it was the place for me. I love being a Golden Gopher.
 You're going on year three here at Minnesota, but your first with coach Cook and the new staff. How was the adjustment period for you this spring? LC: I feel like the biggest part for me was the relationships and getting to know everyone. The more we've built trust, the better things have gone on the court. Of course learning the new systems takes time and repetitions too.
 What do you think the biggest area of growth in your game has been this offseason? LC: My footwork and technique – but I've just been trying to approve every part of my game.
 Heading into the season, what excites you most about your third year as a Golden Gopher? LC: I'm honestly just looking forward to competing with the team. This is a really good group and we have great relationships. We've built connections throughout the spring and summer, so I want to see that translate onto the court.
 Are there any games in particular that you're looking forward to this season? LC: I've checked out the schedule a little bit. Nebraska at home at the end of the season and Wisconsin on the road. Both of them are great teams and they're fun to play.
Lauren and her parents at the Pav last season.What do you hope for the team to accomplish this season? LC: Big Ten title and a national title. Those would be amazing accomplishments.
 What would it mean for you as a Minnesota native to be a part of the first Gopher team to win it all? LC: It would be a honor to be able to represent the state and school on that stage. Especially doing it with some of my best friends.
 What do you enjoy most about playing home games at Minnesota? LC: The fans and the support the team brings in is unmatched. It's a surreal experience and I'm grateful for every game here. It's hard to describe being in that moment. But it feels amazing.
 What do you like to do off the court? LC: I love to go out to eat with friends and just spend time with the people I care about. I like to travel too (Hawai'i and Grand Cayman are favorite spots). I love being out on the lake as well. A few of my teammates and I like going to trivia with some of the guys on the wrestling team.
 Favorite Food: Ice Cream or Filet Mignon Favorite Sport to Watch: College Football and Basketball Fun Fact: I went to the state tournament in hockey but never volleyball in high school Netflix Show: Friday Night Lights Pro Sports Team: Minnesota Vikings Vacation Spot: Anywhere warm with a beach Inspiration: Parents
