Another returnee for the NOC Lady Mavs Basketball Program is sophomore Lauren Coates.

Coates, a sophomore forward from Luther, averaged 5.5 points per game in 2019-20.

Why you chose NOC?  I chose NOC tp further my education and basketball career.

What is your major and what are your career goals? I am a Pre-Med major but I plan on becoming a dental hygienist.

Is it challenging to balance academic changes and athletics at NOC?  It can be challenging.  You have to work harder and push myself.  Be a good student as well as a good athlete.

What life experiences have helped you in college athletics?  Personal development and teamwork has helped me in college athletics.  You have to learn to be a team player and leader in order to be successful.

What is different about college athletics from high school athletics?  High school was easier but when I got to college I realized I had to work harder and adjust to how different the game is.

What advice would you give high school students in choosing a college or university?  I would say if you are from a small town, it is a lot easier to go to a juco.  You meed a lot of people and it always feels like home.

What do you do in your spare time?  During my free time, I spend time with my friends or go to Taco Bell or Chic-Fil-A.