February Athlete of the Month: Lauren Bickler
All photos provided by Lauren Bickler.
Riley Veenendaal
Congratulations to February’s Female Athlete of the Month, Lauren Bickler! Lauren is a current senior here at Hamilton. She is a part of the Girls’ Varsity Ski Racing team. This season, Lauren has been a huge part of the Chargers’ success. Most recently, she helped lead the team to a second-place-overall finish at state! While Lauren will not be ski racing next year, she will be playing collegiate softball at Gettysburg College.
Senior teammate Emily LaFore says this about Bickler: “I’m so proud and grateful to call Lauren my teammate, for she is a vital asset to the MSG Alpine Ski Racing team. Not only does she ski with immense technicality and confidence, but she is everyone’s biggest cheerleader no matter what. Lauren has been our girls’ team captain for several years, and leads us through race course inspections and training with grace. We simply would not have been able to be titled state runner-ups this past season without her. I’m so excited to see what other amazing accomplishments she has in store!”
Senior teammate Mason Dessai stated: “Lauren was a phenomenal leader not only on the hill but in the classroom; she took the underclassmen under her wing and wanted to help anyone she could. She leads by example on the hill by demonstrating drills for the team, running jackets down for people racing, and cheering on all her other teammates. Lauren is a great student in the classroom as well with one of the strongest academic records of anyone in the senior class, setting an example everywhere she goes. She was a State champion along with leading the girls team to State every single year, and placing top 3 the past two years as a team and individually, one of the best athletes the MSG ski team has ever seen.”
Keep reading to learn more about Lauren as a person and a player!
How long have you skied and how did you get into the sport?
I have been ski racing since I was nine years old. I ski mostly because it is a family tradition. My dad’s entire side of the family ski raced and were a large part in establishing the leagues I compete in. They introduced me, and I have been racing ever since.
Who is your athlete role model, and why?
My athlete role model is probably Federica Brignone, an alpine skier from Italy. I choose Brignone because she is successful in all of the skiing disciplines; she tops the World Cup Overall standings so far this year. While her style is unique and unusual to other skiers, she is consistent, confident, and has a wide range of abilities. These are qualities I strive for in my sports.
What has your main goal this season been?
The team is headed back to the State Championship for the fourth year in a row; we have new additions this year, and I would love to get another overall team podium. As a senior and coming off of a state title, my goal this year was to have fun and be a fierce competitor. I was able to achieve my goal of first team all-conference and tie for first in the regular season overall standings.
What are your future plans involving skiing?
After this year, I will be done ski racing. However, I am very fortunate that skiing is a lifelong hobby that I will get to share with my friends and family for years to come.
Do you play any other sports and if so what?
I am on the Hamilton Softball team. Next year, I will be playing collegiate softball at Gettysburg College.
Do you have any teammates, coaches, parents, or other people in your life that have helped as an athlete?
I have been blessed with amazing coaches during my ski racing career. My dad has been my club coach for the past few years, which brings a level of connection and intensity to training that has helped me improve tremendously. My high school coaches are also phenomenal. They keep it light-hearted and are very dedicated to the sport and our team, which made for an amazing high school experience. Also, uniquely, five of our six varsity racers are all seniors. I am so grateful to have grown and spent the last four years with some of my best friends. Not to mention the commitment my parents have to supporting me and all of my softball coaches and teammates who are always there for me as well.
Besides skiing, what are some of your other hobbies?
Outside of skiing, I dedicate a lot of time towards reading. I also love outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping!
What are your pre-meet rituals?
I honestly make a point of being anti-superstitious in order to reduce stress before our races. Beyond that, before my run, I visualize myself in the course and then adjust my boots to the same buckles before I start.
Do you have any pieces of advice?
Humility is something to strive for. Being humble, kind, and supportive of others shows real accomplishment and work ethic while also being rewarding in life.
