Lauren Burton

• Coachable
• Motivated
• Hard-working
• Reliable
• Peppy

Engaged, Enthusiastic, Supportive & Collaborative

I enjoy the captain role as I believe I am a good leader and am often nominated for that job. I also think everyone can lead, you don’t need to be the official captain to lead within a team. Leading through effort and example is essential and so is listening and being a kind friend and partner.

When I received the Award of Excellence I was extremely happy because this was an indication that all my hard work and my dedication to the team was acknowledged and was bringing me to a point where I wanted to be in my volleyball career at the time.

If I receive MVP after a tournament, it proves to me that my consistent motivation is moving me towards my goal of being the best possible volleyball player I can be. It makes me feel extremely proud to be given and told this athletic validation because I’ve worked so hard to obtain it.

I also feel proud when we have a good game. I love to win but to me, it’s more about the effort and how did we work together to create that outcome. Sometimes spectators or opposing players will come over to give me positive feedback after a game and that feels absolutely awesome. It’s usually regarding my effort or leadership and it makes me feel seen and proud.

I’m a high energy person so athletics, not just volleyball, have always been a big part of my life. I have played soccer since I was 3, I was a competitive gymnast during elementary school and I enjoy long-distance/cross country running. I like watching others in sports too and learning about the rules and strategies of other games. I have two younger siblings who are also athletes so I love watching them play as well.

My family spends a lot of time outdoors camping and hiking. I have a part-time job: I work at Play it Again Sports (I sell sports equipment but also sharpen skates, tune skis, etc.)

When I have spare time, I like to read, play board games, and hang out with my friends. We play a lot of Spikeball and laugh.

I’m inspired by anyone who gives it their all, in sport, or otherwise. The Canadian Olympic women’s soccer team were a force to watch in the 2021 summer Olympics – they played with so much passion and intention. Christine Sinclair has shown so much leadership over the years but was open to stepping aside to allow for the younger members of the team to shine as well by taking a penalty kick.

Ultimately, I define myself as an athlete and sport as my hobby and love. Regular physical activity is important to me as it helps keep my mind clear and focused. Team sports also offer me great social time with my teammates and I crave that. When we were off for Covid I found it difficult without the regular participation, the routine, and activity that helps me maintain positive mental health.

I also am a rep soccer player for Flamborough Dundas Soccer Club. I’ve played soccer since I was 3 and have always loved the high-energy, high-intensity environment. I continue to play soccer in my “off” court season because it keeps me active and quick on my feet for when I get back on the court.

I do better with more on my plate than less and I think it’s important to feel part of something, so I join groups at school and play a role in our Business Leadership marketing committee. A part-time job is not ‘extracurricular’ but I find time to hold a part-time job and carve out time to spend time with my friends.

I’ve achieved the Honour Roll in Grades 9, 10 (and so far in Grade 11 too). I’m a diligent and engaged student. When I get an academic achievement like Honour Roll or achieving the mark I wanted, it makes me feel so proud of myself because my work ethic is paying off.

In University, I would like to take either Kinesiology/Human Kinetics (BA not BSc), Sports Marketing, or Sports Management. After my degree, I’m considering pursuing teacher college but I’m not sure yet as there’s a lot of possibilities with a KIN degree.

Fun, busy, active, and new! I want to get involved and be a part of the school community. I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and the independence of being away from home. I’m prepared to put in full effort to my studies and sports and manage my time so I can succeed at both.