Before she was this state’s favorite Olympian, BAC was able to catch up with Colorado’s Basketball Phenom, Lauren Betts: An interview so good, we had to share it again.
What do you believe you bring to a team?
Lauren: Whether I’m on or off the court, I cheer for my team. I try to be the loudest I can be and pass my energy onto my teammates. All of this is so that when we play hard teams, the excitement we give each other helps us beat them.
Explain how parental support is important to your future as a baller.
Lauren: For my future as a baller, parental support is important because my parents are what keep me going every day. Through the ups and downs, they have always been there for me. At times when my confidence was low, they have always encouraged me to believe in myself. My parents have given me the keys to strive and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.
How do you stay motivated after losing a game?
Lauren: After losing a game, I deal with it by getting back in the gym and working on whatever I didn’t do correctly. As a team, we watch film to see what we need to improve on. I also talk to my coaches and my dad about what I could do next time we play the same team and what I need to work on.
How do you deal with the pressure of having to perform in front of a big crowd?
Lauren: When I play in front of a big crowd I think confidence is key. I have to go into that game thinking I can do this and that I’m going to have an amazing game because that can be the game-changer right there. You never know when you might have to shoot the game-winner. Your confidence determines how you play and whether or not you’ll win.
How do you channel your frustration when the referee’s decision doesn’t go your way?
Lauren: When the referee’s decision doesn’t go my way, which happens a lot, I try to channel my frustration by remembering that I’m 6’7”. When they see this tall girl defending a girl much shorter than her they’re most likely going to take the other girl’s side. I also just talk to my coaches and teammates to see what I can do so that it doesn’t happen again.
What are you thinking when you get benched in a game for a mistake you made?
Lauren: When I get benched for a mistake I made, most of the time I’m thinking I don’t want to make the same mistake again, obviously. I just keep working and keep grinding because if I let that mistake get in my head then it’ll affect the rest of the game and I don’t want that.
Do you have any rituals that you must perform before a game and why?
Lauren: Before a game, I usually ask my dad for advice because he always knows exactly what I should do since he was also a center and played professional basketball overseas for many years. He gets me super motivated and pumped up for the game. I also try to always have my hair in a bun because I feel like it’s my good luck charm.
Where do you see your basketball ability taking you?
Lauren: I hope my talent, hard work, and determination will help me to play basketball at the highest level. Hopefully, I will have accomplished all of my goals and dreams for high school and will be able to play my best in college.
Your biggest inspiration? Why?
Lauren: My biggest inspiration is Breanna Stewart because not only is she one of the greatest women basketball players ever, but her confidence and energy out there on the court is amazing. To be able to have such range and ability to play outside at her height is so awesome.
