BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — LSU middle blocker Lauren DeGirolamo picked up SEC Community Service Team accolades for her off-the-court efforts Tuesday as announced by the league office. It marked the second straight season that DeGirolamo has earned this prestigious honor.
“We’re very proud of Lauren and the positive impact she has made during her career representing our program,” head coach Fran Flory said. “She’s a true student-athlete that works extremely hard not only on the court and in the classroom but also out in the community.”
DeGirolamo spearheaded the volleyball activity center at the Halloween BOOzar in October where LSU athletics provided a safe Halloween experience for local kids. She also answered phones at the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Muscular Dystophy Association Telethon in September.
DeGirolamo and her teammates have adopted an underprivileged child as part of the upcoming Christmas with the Tigers Event scheduled for next week. They have raised money in order to provide their child with toys, clothes, and other presents for the holidays.
Earlier in the semester, DeGirolamo hosted a local elementary student who shadowed her for the day at LSU as part of Big Buddy Program’s Day of a Mentor. She also participated at Big Buddy’s Evening of Champions event as a role model to the program.
DeGirolamo was a Best Buddies Friendship Walk participant with mentally challenged youth, a volunteer at Citivan’s Mardi Gras Dance with Mentally Challenged adults and cheered on kids to finish a race at the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Strides & Rides event. She also promoted reading to Middle School kids and stressed importance of going to college through Hit the Books Running.
A four-time SEC Honor Roll recipient and three-time CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District pick, DeGirolamo has blossomed into a six-rotation player this season. She recently became the 17th player in program history to surpass 1,000 kills. The Illinois native joined Lisa Smith [1984-87] and Julie Stempel [1988-91] as the only players to record over 1,000 kills and 500 blocks during their LSU careers.
LSU wraps up the regular season Friday at Rice. The Owls qualified for the NCAA’s last weekend by winning the Conference USA Tournament. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. and live stats are available in the Geaux Zone on LSUsports.net. Fans also can follow in-match updates of the five-time SEC Western Division champions via www.twitter.com/lsuvolleyball.
2009 SEC Community Service Team
Lauren DeGirolamo [LSU]
Kathleen Gates [Georgia]
Dorey Gray [Mississippi State]
Leah Hinkey [Tennessee]
Kristina Johnson [Florida]
Emily Kvitle [Ole Miss]
Alyssa Meuth [Alabama]
Olivia Ryder [South Carolina]
BriAnne Sauer [Kentucky]
Lindsay Scanlan [Arkansas]
Sara Shanks [Auburn]