Student Athlete of the Week – Lauren Vermeulen

BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Sports Correspondent

Lauren Vermeulen, a senior at Elk Lake, is a standout volleyball player and captain of the team who has been playing the game her whole life. It’s a sport she has grown up with, playing at family gatherings.

Vermeulen said, “I started playing volleyball because I had so much love and fun with volleyball when I was playing with my family.”

She turned the family pastime into a more competitive venture when she joined the Lady Warriors’ volleyball team her sophomore year.

“I love volleyball because I love my team and without them, volleyball is non-existent.” Despite having a challenging season with the young and inexperienced Elk Lake team, she still enjoys playing and spending time with her teammates.

Aside from volleyball, Vermeulen keeps busy with several other school activities. She is the Student Council President, is on the yearbook staff, participates in both band and chorus, and is a basketball cheerleader.

Outside of school she has participated in dance for 13 years.

She has earned several honors due to her hard work and leadership skills. In addition to being the captain of the volleyball team, she is also the captain of the cheerleading squad. She keeps her grades up high as well as evidenced by being invited to the awards banquet every year since 7th grade, earning the VIP award, and being a member of the National Honor Society.

After graduation, Vermeulen plans to attend Misericordia University and wants to become an occupational therapist.

She is the daughter of Troy and Karen Vermeulen of Rush Township.