Observer Preps Athlete of the Week: Lauren Miller

WINTER GARDEN The Foundation Academy volleyball team has raced out to a 4-1 start this fall — a nice change of pace after the Lions started the 2015 campaign with a record of 1-4 — and one of the key reasons for the fast start has been the return of outside hitter Lauren Miller.

Miller, a senior, played her junior season at West Orange after being a part of Foundation Academy teams in 2012 and 2013 that made the state championship game in Class 2A. So far this fall, Miller lead the Lions in kills (60) and is second on the team in digs (21).

"As a coach, it's great having a player like (Miller) — a go-to player that you know you can count on no matter what," new head coach Stephanie Tibbetts said. "The girls love that she's back here at Foundation."

Q-AND-A

What is your impression of how the team has done so far this fall?

I'm very happy with how the team has been playing. We all get along — we have good chemistry.

Of the four victories, is there on that stands out?

If I had to choose, I'd say Orlando Christian Prep.

You've been a part of this team when it made deep playoff runs — does this year's team feel like those teams at all?

We all have potential. We could get there.

You decided to discontinue playing club volleyball this summer — what went into that decision?

I was kind of just tired of the intensity and always having the pressure on you. I'm just trying to find my heart in (the game) again.

Since coming back to Foundation, which teammate have you developed a rhythm with the fastest?

Taylor Roukey, our libero. We're always on serve-receive together and we always just kind of know who's getting which ball.

What do you like so far about playing for coach Stephanie Tibbetts?

She's very encouraging, so I definitely enjoy that and she knows the game pretty well.

When you're not playing volleyball or working on school work, what do you like to do?

I watch a lot of Netflix. I like watching "Grey's Anatomy" because I've always wanted to be a nurse or go into the medical field.

If you could be any animal, which would you be and why?

A dog because you get to lay around all day and eat.

What's your dream car?

Probably a Range Rover — all black.