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With the name Lauren Poole, it would be natural to be a swimmer. But Kentucky is more than just an ironic name for the senior.
Out of the water, Poole is a quiet figure. She said she likes hanging out with her friends and reading books. But, in the pool it makes its presence known.
Born into a family of swimmers, Poole took the torch and became one of Kentucky’s most well-rounded and decorated swimmers. With family members as inspiration, Poole began her swimming career by competing in events similar to her mother who blazed her own trail.
Growing up in Maryland, Poole said she didn’t know much about Kentucky other than basketball. But, during the past four years, she learned what the university means to the state and how much the Big Blue Nation means to the people of Kentucky.
“There are some days when I just put my hat on and actually look at it and think, ‘That’s really cool,'” Poole said.
What started as an opportunity to continue and hone her talents turned into a community that she now feels apart of, forms lifelong relationships, and has unforgettable experiences.
The pool has had as much success as it has in the water. Despite being in her senior year athletically, she graduated in 2021 with an undergraduate degree in sociology and a minor in psychology. She is now pursuing her Masters in Sports Psychology.
“In practice I don’t skip sets or anything, just like I don’t skip homework.” Poole said. “So, part of it is that I know I have to get things done, and they get done.”
During her four years, Poole has seen her role change as she has moved on.
The first year, Poole found himself a bit of culture shock in a year full of learning and humbling experiences. The next year, she took big steps, starting to learn who she was as a swimmer, her role on the team and making a statement.
By her third year, Poole had grown accustomed to being an upperclassman, not yet a leader, but close to the role. Now, in her final year, Poole is navigating the waters of being named team captain.
“I feel like I’ve grown into a captain,” Poole said. “I didn’t walk into my first day freshman year and say, ‘Oh I’m going to be a leader.'”
Something else that Poole never anticipated was an injury. But it’s something she was forced to deal with during her UK career. And he can also decide his future plans.
Early in her sophomore season in what she described as her best year ever as a collegiate athlete, Poole suffered a rotator cuff injury. It was a physical injury, but it also taught him many lessons.
“It definitely taught me a lot, it’s what got me into sports psychology and helped me find my master’s program,” Poole said. “So, I appreciate it in a way, but it was boring.”
Even with the injury, Poole kept going. She was still floating, but not at the level she wanted.
“It wasn’t like I was out, and that’s what was hard,” Poole said. “I was swimming slowly in the water.”
Head coach Lars Jorgensen was impressed with the determination Poole showed during his rehabilitation.
“He’s the most resilient person I’ve ever met in my life,” Jorgensen said.
The injury also planted the seeds of expectations for his senior season.
“Last year I was training pretty slow and still ended up swimming OK at the end of the year,” Poole said. “So, I’m more excited about what I can do in the middle of the season, and then what I can do at the end of the season.”
She said she credits her injury for teaching her that she has to work for things, and that it taught her that nothing comes easy. Even when you are a swimmer with a pool name.
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