Indiana University Athletics
Get to Know Lauren Sturgis
12/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Spirit Squad
Dec. 11, 2006
Indiana junior Lauren Sturgis is a member of the Cream cheerleading squad for the 2006-07 season. A native of Fishers, Ind., Sturgis sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com for 10 questions so IU fans can get to know a little more about her.
When did you start cheerleading?
"I first started gymnastics at age six and competed until high school through level 8. In elementary school I joined the cheerleading club, but officially joined a cheerleading squad in junior high."
Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
"The biggest influences in my life are family. Each member of my family has taught me something important and unique about life. My parents were great role models and taught me a lot about love and patience. I've definitely learned since being at college that my parents did a lot for me that I didn't even realize at the time! I'm so thankful for the opportunities they provided me. My younger brother and sister taught me so much about myself. They're always looking up to me and they remind me to always make good choices that would make them proud."
Teammate or coach I admire the most:
"I think I admire each one of my teammates for something different. Each one is so talented in some way and each one has something to offer, whether that is advice about stunting or just a listening ear. I admire my teammates for their hard work and dedication. Not all of us came from cheerleading backgrounds, and I completely admire those teammates who have put in countless hours to learn something new. I admire many of the girls for combating their fears. Getting thrown in the air comes with plenty of nerves! I admire my coaches for their dedication to Indiana University and the cheerleading program. I especially admire Julie for the countless hours she puts in to making this program what it is. She's given me so many opportunities and experiences I can't even begin to repay her for. I've learned a lot about myself with the help of the experiences Julie provides. I've been challenged and nurtured in cheerleading and in life. I could not thank her enough! I know I'll have plenty of stories to tell my children one day about my one of a kind coach Julie! I admire my coaches Ricci, Jeff, Marcus, and James as well. They've sacrificed a lot to give what they do to our program and it really shows. They're all incredible people and I admire them for that!"
Most memorable IU athletics moment:
"I would have to say the moment that stands out the most is the IU vs. Duke game last year at Assembly Hall. The fans all wore white for the "white out" which was surprisingly successful, and the stadium was packed! I have never experiences a louder more thrilling game. The fans were on their feet the entire game! It was so fun to be into that game and cheering for the Hoosiers as they put up a great fight against Duke. Aside from that specific game, my favorite moment every game is William Tell (it's when all the flags come out!) No matter if we're winning or losing the fans stand up and are so excited to see the flags come out. It's an awesome tradition and each and every time it's amazing to be a part of!
Other than cheerleading, what IU sport would you play?
"If I wasn't cheering and could play another sport I think I'd try something totally new... Basketball perhaps? I've never really played basketball and I'm certainly not that good, but it'd be an adventure to try!"
Favorite place on IU's campus:
"My favorite place on IU's campus is out by the Sample Gates where the statue of Herman B. Wells sits. There's so much tradition there. My mom told me I had to go and kiss by Herman B. Wells because it's one of those things you "have to do" before you leave school. She's taken part in the tradition and I'd love to tell the story my children in the future as well. I like any place on campus with some history or tradition behind it!"
What is your major:
"I am an elementary education and special education major. Ever since a little girl, I've wanted to be a teacher. I am so passionate about teaching and cannot wait until I have my own classroom. To think about the future when I get to decorate my classroom and welcome my first room full of students makes me so happy, I can't wait. Teaching is one of those jobs, you're either cut out for it or you're not. You can't do it unless your heart is 100 percent into it. I think teaching has many rewards. I've had some amazing teachers as role models and I hope one day to be a teacher that the students give hugs to every day and go home smiling just to come back excited for more the next day!"
Favorite aspect of cheerleading:
"My favorite aspect of cheerleading is games. I get to do all the fun stuff like stunting and tumbling at games, but over the years I've become a huge fan of IU sports! I've always liked IU, but being on the court surrounded by true Hoosier fans has made me a true Hoosier fan as well. There's no better place to be than on the court/field in my front row seat! I love to be a part of the action and I love cheering on my Hoosiers!"
Most prized possession:
"My most prized possession is probably one of the first blankets I got as a baby. It was from my great grandmother and she made it by hand. It has care-bears on it and is incredibly soft. Besides cuddling with it every night, I love to keep it with me at school because it reminds me of my family and how much they mean to me! It's a way to feel the comfort of home whenever I need it. It's very special to me, and you'd never know all the places it's traveled with me!"
What makes Indiana special from any other program?
"The cheerleading program at Indiana University is special from any other program because of the hard work and passion the coaches and past members have put into it. Our program is one big family, we have two squads, but all work together. We practice at the same time, cheer games together, and help each other out whenever needed. Both squads are extremely talented in their own way and I'd be extremely proud to cheer on either team. Our program is known among the cheerleading world for being extremely classy and collegiate. We take great pride in our University and are required to uphold the reputation of our program and school at all times, whether that's at games, practice, in class, or when we're out with our friends. The friends I've made over my three years in the program are some of my best friends and will stay with me forever. We've been through the ups and downs together and have grown together as friends as well as teammates. I'm so proud to be a part of this program that has such great tradition; it's an experience that will certainly stay with me for a lifetime."
