Lauren Ellsworth heads up to BYU

<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:22px;"><strong><span style="font-family:comic sans ms,cursive;">Arizona&#39;s Signing Class of 2015</span></strong></span></p>


Who: Lauren Ellsworth

High School: Highland High School

Signed With: Brigham Young University

First off, how is your knee doing?

My knee is doing great it is improving quite well. I have recently started to run, however it is short and slow but it is running and it sure is nice to feel like I can do something again.

BYU has a habit of producing top tier 800m girls, 3 different NCAA champions in the event over the past 6 years, how does this make you feel knowing you will be joining such an elite team?

I am super excited about BYU's reputation and the team I am going be part of. When I went on my official visit I felt like I fit right in, it was great. I believe that BYU will help me achieve my goals. Their success is one of the many reasons why I am excited to be a Cougar.

What has been a favorite high school memory of yours?

My favorite high school memory was during my freshman year at the second to last meet, Southeast Championships. I ran the 800m. All season I had a goal of running the fastest time a freshman had ever run in the 800m. Then, near the end of the year I voiced my goal to beat the all-time freshman record. This would entail running faster than 2.14. This seemed to be an unattainable expectation to many people who voiced their opinion. At Southeast Championships I achieved my goal; I ran a 2:13 and proved to myself and to others that I could do the things I set my mind to. That was the turning point in my high school career that pushed me to set my goals higher than seemed possible and to work to achieve them.

What do you intend to study at the Y?

I intend to study nursing. They have a really great program. Unlike many nursing programs BYU has made it possible for athletes to complete the program without giving up their sport.

Are you excited or dreading training at altitude?

I am excited for the new challenge. Of course in Arizona altitude is not something I am used to so it may take some time to get acclimated to.