April 27, 2005

Getting ready to finish up her sophomore year at Duke, Lauren Tippets sat down with GoDuke.com this week to talk about the spring soccer season, the upcoming summer and next season. A native of Menlo Park, Calif., Tippets saw action in all 23 contests for Duke last season, while scoring two goals and assisting on seven others.

GoDuke.com: How was the spring season for the Blue Devils?

Lauren Tippets: I think it went really well. Our team got a lot stronger working with Anne [Tamporello], who is the new strength coach, and I think we were very really productive with [Jeff] Houser, our speed coach. Our spring games went well and everybody got a chance to play, which is nice, so I think it's a good start for fall.

GoDuke.com: Did you think the team improved even though you were without some starters with injuries?

Lauren Tippets: Yeah, having less people in practice we were all working together all the time.

GoDuke.com: What is the spring season like?

Lauren Tippets: The first month and half we have three days of running and three days of lifting each week and the days we don't have that, we have individuals with Billy [Lesesne] and Ed [Moore], who are assistant coaches, whenever we want it. Once team training starts around the second week of March, than we still have three days of lifting, two days of running, and two practices during the week. So, it is pretty intense.

GoDuke.com: With the team advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 last year and returning all but one starter next season, is the team ready for next season to start?

Lauren Tippets: I think everybody is really excited, especially because our team is going to be mostly upperclassman, which it never has been, at least since our class has been here. So, we are looking forward to a good season.

GoDuke.com: Did you and the rest of the team gain valuable experience playing in three games last season in the NCAA Tournament?

Lauren Tippets: I think it was really good for our confidence when we won at Virginia, and they were the three seed. So we know we can play with anybody in the country.

GoDuke.com: What are the strengths of your game?

Lauren Tippets: My distribution and my shot.

GoDuke.com: What does the team need to do next season to be successful?

Lauren Tippets: I think we need to work cohesively as a unit, and, well, I think we have to improve on the mental toughness that we gained and just carry it over to next season.

GoDuke.com: Are there any funny stories you can share with us that happened during the spring or one that stands out from the fall?

Lauren Tippets: I can't really think of any specifically, but we have a good time together.

GoDuke.com: Who livens up road trips with the team?

Lauren Tippets: Sometimes Carly, when she isn't asleep. Our class gets into it, because we really like to sing.

GoDuke.com: Have you seen any certain players step up in the spring and that everyone should keep an eye on for next year?

Lauren Tippets: I think a lot of people have stepped up. Everybody is taking on new leadership roles, and I think some of it is because we are getting older."

GoDuke.com: How is it playing for Head Coach Robbie Church?

Lauren Tippets: It's great. He gets mad at us sometimes, but he really, genuinely cares about every single one of us. On the field, he pushes us even when we feel like we can't do it. And everyone really respects him as coach.

GoDuke.com: Do you have any idea what you want to major in or do after graduation?

Lauren Tippets: I am majoring in Math, and I might go to medical school, but I haven't decided yet.

GoDuke.com: What are your hobbies other than soccer?

Lauren Tippets: I like scrap booking, and various kinds of art. I like being outdoors; I like writing.

GoDuke.com: If you could play another sport at Duke other than soccer, what would it be?

Lauren Tippets: Basketball, if I were taller. I played a lot of basketball [in high school].

GoDuke.com: Have you had a fun class you have taken at Duke that stands out?

Lauren Tippets: My Education 137 class with Stapona, and we tutored kids once a week. It was really fun.

GoDuke.com: It seems like you are getting a California connection with five teammates from the state of California on the team. Was it tough for you to travel across the U.S. to go to school and play soccer?

Lauren Tippets: Yeah, I thought I was going to end up getting really home sick. But when you get here, you realize you automatically have 22 other friends. So it was not hard to make friends, and my family came out a lot during my freshman year, not so much this year. That kind of stuff really helped. I talk to them all the time anyway, so it is not that big of a deal."

GoDuke.com: Where is Menlo Park located?

Lauren Tippets: Near Stanford.

GoDuke.com: How often do your parents make it to games?

Lauren Tippets: This year my Mom was only out one weekend, but last year my parents were out for four [weekends].

GoDuke.com: What are your plans for the summer?

Lauren Tippets: Going home, probably work sports camps, and doing summer school out there. And I am going to be practicing with my old soccer team.

GoDuke.com: What sorority do you belong to?

Lauren Tippets: Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA)

GoDuke.com: When did you join?

Lauren Tippets: In February, a bunch of the athletes decided to rush the new sorority on campus. We have five members of the soccer team in my sorority. It has been a lot of fun so far.

Favorites:

Type of soccer shoe: Umbro Speciali
Field to play on: Koskinen Stadium
Food:  Lemon and Chicken
TV Show:  Bachelor
CD:  Any mix
Movie:  Father of the Bride
Professional team:  No Specific
Professional athlete:  Michael Owen, he plays in Europe for Real Madrid
Place at Duke: The Gardens
Class at Duke:  My Education 137 class