Spotlight: Lauren GaNun, Women's Volleyball, Swimming & Basketball
We bring back our popular summer feature giving you a more personal look at some of our student-athletes and staff members. Check back every Tuesday and Thursday for our next installment. (If any student-athletes would like to participate on a future spotlight, please e-mail amacapugay@sjcbears.com.)
Lauren GaNun is a three-time All-HVIAC honoree and a two-time USCAA All-American honorable mention in volleyball after leading the team and HVIAC with 308 kills recording five matches with 20-plus kills. Boasting an efficient .284 career attack percentage, the middle hitter needs just 159 kills to join the coveted 1000-kill club. A member of the swimming team the past two seasons, she set her personal bests in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle at the HVIAC Invitational in February. Joining the basketball team this past winter, GaNun recorded a double-double in her first collegiate game scoring 12 points and pulling down 16 rebounds against Pratt.
About you
Name/Number: Lauren GaNun #10 (Volleyball)/#22 (Basketball)
Sport: Women's Volleyball, Basketball & Swimming
Year: Senior
Position: Middle Hitter/Center
I came to St. Joseph's because…
I decided I wanted to stay home for college. I also really wanted to continue my volleyball career.
Your major…
Psychology
Career goals after graduation…
My plan is to go to grad school in guidance counseling or social work.
Summer plans…
I work as a lifeguard in Breezy Point. I play beach volleyball in Riis Park, basketball at St. Stan's and softball in Breezy.
A unique/interesting talent of mine…
I can shake my eyes
If you could play another sport other than your own, what would it be…
Probably soccer or softball
Being a Lady Bear...
Most memorable moment in a Bears/Lady Bears uniform…
It was definitely when we beat Culinary this year. This might be the most memorable moment for me individually and the team. I was able to beat my record with 40 kills. We were also able to make it to playoffs with this win. After such a challenging season, it boosted the morale of the team. We put our all into that game and it paid off. It is definitely a game I will remember for the rest of my life.
It sounds weird but anytime I am playing bad I have to take my headband off and put it back on.
I would say when we went to Washington, DC my sophomore year. It was one crazy trip because we sang (or screamed) the whole way there and home. Our coaches weren't too happy with us! It was a great bonding experience for the team. Also I can't forget Puerto Rico with the basketball team. The best part had to be either our 2 am giggle sessions or the banana boat ride. Also it was cool to play basketball in such a beautiful place like Puerto Rico.
I want to do well in this new conference. Although it will be challenging, we could definitely do it. We all just need to try our best and do whatever it takes! I also hope to reach 1000 kills!
Favorite feature of The Hill Center…
Definitely the locker room and well my picture is on the wall, do I say more??
When I found out The Hill Center was finally open, I…
I couldn't believe it. This will now make my senior year even more special! It was so hard during this past volleyball season where we thought we would be allowed to play there but unfortunately could not. Fortunately, I joined the basketball team so I was able to be on one of the first teams to play in it!
Reaction when you heard Starbucks and Chipotle was opening on Myrtle Ave…
I am going to be broke.
Speed Round…
iPhone or Android… iPhone
Yankees or Mets… Mets
Jets or Giants… Jets
Rangers or Islanders… Rangers
Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks… Dunkin Donuts
Beach or Pool… Definitely the Beach
Alex or Piper (OITNB)… Alex
Twitter or Facebook… Twitter
On being social media famous…
Number of…
Twitter followers: 258
Facebook friends: 995
Instagram followers: 504
The most likes you've received on an Instagram photo and what was the photo of?
143 It was a picture of the sunset in Breezy Point.
Follow first or follow second? First
True or false? I don't post more than one Insta a day and I secretly judge people that do.
False, I have posted more than one insta in a day and I don't judge unless it happens all the time!
Your favorites…
Favorite sports team(s)…
Mets
Favorite TV show…
24
Favorite quote/motto…
Everything happens for a reason
Final thoughts…
Anything you'd like to share with all the rest of the Bears family …
I have had a great three years here at SJC with so many laughs and memories. I've met some of the nicest people. I have also been very lucky to make such amazing friends that will last a lifetime. I want to thank all those who have supported us because we truly are one big family! Unfortunately, I have one more year left but I am so excited for next season and can't wait to see what it brings!
Previous Summer Spotlights: