Loudoun County, Va. – In an effort to better recognize student-athletes who positively affect high school sports in Loudoun County, Gymnaze and LoCoSports have teamed up to announce Loudoun Valley High School senior Lauren Allen as the Gymnaze and LoCoSports Teammate of the Month for June 2022.
Allen worked her way from the bottom six on Loudoun Valley’s roster to the top six where she played in every match her junior and senior years, while helping the Vikings to back-to-back VHSL Region 4C team titles.
“Lauren was always on time—usually early—mentored her younger teammates, would warm up with anyone on the team, checked in with her teammates individually, and was supportive of all abilities of player,” Loudoun Valley head coach Cara Orenzuk said. “Lauren was open to coaching, was able to ask for help and guidance, and was aware of her strengths and deficits, always trying to improve as a person and player. She understands the concept of team and demonstrates leadership skills and qualities without a ‘look at me’ attitude.”
While improving her own game and mentoring her teammates, Allen also spent time with younger aspiring tennis players, hoping to spread the game to the next generation.
“Lauren mentored younger middle school players, giving up time on Sundays to hit with them so they could play against someone who could control the ball and be consistent while they learned. She also worked after school in the elementary school to promote the sport to the younger students by teaching them the basics of the sport and keeping it fun for them,” Orenzuk said. “Lauren takes her school work seriously and was able to balance the desire to achieve good grades with being a productive mentor of the Loudoun Valley girls tennis team.”
The Gymnaze and LoCoSports Teammate of the Month is selected from nominations based on student-athletes having a great team-first mentality, hustle, work ethic, attitude and heart.
If you wish to nominate a student-athlete for athlete or teammate of the month, please reach out through our contact form or email us at [email protected].