FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (June 25, 2020) – Local to the Flagstaff mountain town, Lauren Hazel, a three-time WAC Champion and rising senior, spends her time involved in nature. This past season, Hazel found herself in the top four of seven different events (200 free relay, 100 butterfly, 50 butterfly, 200 backstroke, 100 backstroke, 50 backstroke, and 50 freestyle), breaking three of her best record times.
Q: Where are you right now and what does a normal day look like for you?
A: I am currently living at my house here in Flagstaff. A normal day for me involves working on my garden, painting, and going on big hikes with friends.
Q: What are you most looking forward to when you get back competing in the pool?
A: I can't wait to get back in the pool and weight room. It's my last year of collegiate swimming and I'm really excited to work hard with the girls.
Q: What is motivating or encouraging you to push through these difficult times?
A: Getting outside with my small group of friends canyoneering in Utah, summiting mountains, and playing lots of ultimate frisbee has helped me stay healthy emotionally and physically.
Q: How did you first get into your sport?
A: Ever since I was a kid I loved being in the water. I tried out a bunch of sports and developed oschler schlatter in my heel which led me to try other sports that didn't involve impact. I tried swimming for the club team that my current coach Andy Johns owns and fell in love with the sport right away.
Q: If you could be a dual-sport athlete at NAU, what sport would you compete in and why?
A: I would love to run XC here at NAU. I ran a lot when I was younger but the high school seasons for swimming and XC were at the same time.
Q: If you could pick any other NAU student-athlete to try out your sport, who would it be and why?
A: I think Pipi Eitel and Delaney Rasmussen would make great swimmers. They are both really athletic and have the height for swimming.
Q: What is your best swimming memory ever?
A: My favorite swimming memory was attending the WAC Championships my freshman year and dropping major time on all my events. It was really exciting being a part of the team's fifth consecutive championship win.
Q: What is your major and what are your career aspirations?
A: I am currently majoring in Visual Communications with a minor in studio arts. I would love to work for a graphic design firm and grow my portfolio.
