Becoming the No. 1 college basketball recruit for the Class of 2022 at UCLA and an Under-19 Team USA member did not come without hard work and dedication, part of which came from Lauren Betts’ Parents. As former athletes, Michelle and Andrew have greatly impacted Lauren’s journey into stardom.
Andrew Betts’ Basketball Career and Legacy
Andrew, Lauren Betts’ father, is a former professional basketball player. He began his college basketball career at Long Island University’s C.W. Post Campus, where he played for three years before transferring to Long Beach State University for his senior year. There, he averaged 18.7 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game.
Andrew’s professional career began when the Charlotte Hornets selected him in the second round of the 1998 NBA Draft. However, he started playing professionally for Fortitudo Bologna, one of Italy’s top-tier A-League teams.
Two years before this selection, he began representing the English national team, where he was voted Player of the Year twice.
He played professionally in Europe for more than a decade and represented the English and Great Britain national teams throughout his career. He also played in many other nations, including Greece, Spain, and Italy.
Michelle, Lauren Betts’ mother, had a career in volleyball, as she played for Long Beach State, a team that won the national championship in 1993.
Michelle had a successful career as a Division 1 NCAA volleyball player. From 1997 to 1998, she worked as a mentor and academic advisor for student-athletes. This aspect of Michelle’s career gave her valuable experience, making her a strong, positive influence on Lauren’s career.
The Betts and Their Influence on Lauren
Even though Lauren’s 6-foot-plus height was a challenge for her in middle school, basketball became her passion, largely influenced by her parents.
Lauren was born during Andrew’s career as a professional basketball player, so seeing him play around the world exposed her early on to the nuances of the game.
As a middle schooler who felt left out because of her height, basketball became her safe space. She felt at home playing basketball and improved every day.
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After reaching a high skill level, she had a conversation with her dad, where she learned that hard work is necessary to achieve stardom. That conversation inspired her to start working on her physical development.
Her mom, Michelle, supported Lauren mentally by suggesting counseling sessions that would improve her mental health and help build resilience. Now, her height is her strength on the court and a key source of confidence.
Lauren’s parents and two siblings have played an important role in the pursuit of her basketball aspirations and ambitions. Although her parents are no longer together, they continue to support her to this day.
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