Fresno State Athletics
Young Pup
2/7/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Chennelle Miller, Fresno State Media Relations
Try to remember a time when everything was easy. When decisions were simple and visions were clear. It's not that easy is it? Case in point is freshman Lauren Stayton. From the moment she entered the schoolyard in Inglewood, Calif., she was faced with undergoing a task that would be constant throughout her entire youth.
Typically a freshman enters college at the age of 18. Not Stayton. She began playing basketball with Fresno State at 17 and by the time she has completed her first season of basketball, she will still be 17. The guard is the youngest among the eight freshmen on the 2002 squad. In addition to being younger than the rest of the team, Stayton is also faced with an admitted lack of fundamental skills. She admits playing basketball at a Division Five high school doesn't provide much emphasis on developing the fundamental aspect of playing basketball.
"From the moment I started playing with this team I knew my fundamentals needed work," said Stayton. "I couldn't even run correctly. The coaches have definitely helped me improve those skills."
Imagine having the opportunity to play basketball with a NCAA Division I basketball program and not being able to run properly. How does a player manage to keep up with the team when she cannot run and does not have the fundamental capabilities of her teammates? For Stayton it's about hard work and determination. She has come a long way from the first day she walked into the North Gym. Her inspiration to tweak every aspect of the game, whether it is physical or mental, comes from within.
"I know I will get better if I keep putting everything I can into it," said Stayton. "I have to want to do it for myself and once I do that, then I can do it for others."
Stayton is driven to succeed, a mature attitude that has grown as a result of an injury from which she recovered not long ago. While playing basketball at Rolling Hills Prep High School, Stayton tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. As a basketball player, injuring the ACL can end a career, or at the least weaken a player's confidence level. However, for Stayton it was an opportunity to mentally mature. Experiencing seven months of rehabilitation for her knee and then returning to the court in top form has strengthened her outlook on adversity.
"A lot of people can be broken down by going through such an injury," said Stayton. "Personally I found a new hope in myself that helped me find the will to get better." Today, Stayton likes to consider herself a spark plug for her teammates. She no longer has to be concerned with her knee, she is only concerned with helping her teammates win. She takes the game one moment at a time. Whether it's one or five minutes of playing time, Stayton gives 100 percent effort. She recognizes her maturity and skill level still need improvement. However, she does not let that stop her from taking charge and stepping in when the situation warrants it.
"I know when to keep my mouth shut," said Stayton. "But I'm not afraid to step in to get my teammates together and focused. I really like getting them excited to play and they accept that of me."
When the time comes for Stayton to be a veteran leader she will have experienced more adversity than other cases. However the word "leader" is too much of a label for her. What about the word "captain?" No, not that word either. She just wants to be there for the team. She has no need for the title. To her what matters most is the team is motivated and all on the same page, with the same objective - to win.
Although Stayton may lose focus, get upset or anxious, in time her maturity level will improve. For now, determination and heart will have to guide her until the hard work speaks for itself.
"I want people to look at me and know I that I am out there on the court for a purpose," emphasized Stayton. "I know there are some things that need to be polished up, but no matter what, I will do the job in the best way I can."
Someone once said, "If it were easy, everyone would do it." There are only 13 players on the active women's basketball roster and Lauren Stayton has the privilege of being one of them. Her trials are not over with yet and they may never be, but there is no doubt she will make the best of them when they do.
