For Lauren Grider, transferring to IU Columbus felt like coming home. The Columbus North graduate returned both to her hometown and to the sports she loves, having begun dance at age 3 and cheer at 11.

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"When I heard cheer and dance were coming here, it was the perfect way to jump back in," explained Grider, now a senior. "I really missed it!"

Lauren quickly immersed herself in the growing Crimson Pride athletics scene. She's been cheer captain for the last two years, and recently stepped into a larger leadership role as the program transitioned from a varsity sport to a club program.

Now, Lauren works behind the scenes to bring prospective recruits into the program. She also manages cheer & dance social media and represents her sport in the Association of Student Athletes. Plus, she's involved in the athletics program in both large and small ways, helping wherever she can: selling tickets at soccer games, volunteering at Chuck Taylor Day, assisting with baseball and softball events, and even weightlifting with the women's basketball team.

"For me, it's not just something to do," Grider said. "I really want our athletic programs to thrive. I love being part of the culture and supporting our teams."

And her dedication hasn't gone unnoticed.

"Lauren is one of those students who truly sets the standard," said McKenzie Cooper, IU Columbus Athletics Operations Coordinator. "Honestly, her incredible work ethic is one of the main
reasons IU Columbus still has a cheer and dance program."

Grider is also a busy nursing student who somehow manages to find time for part-time work at Columbus Regional Health, dog sitting, and coaching cheer at Northside Middle School. "I like to be busy! I've always been that way, and as a kid with 14 hours of dance a week, I just got used to it. If I'm not studying, I have to be doing something else!" she said with a laugh.

While she loves to perform, she's a timid public speaker; yet, a recent nursing leadership class – combined with her expanded cheer responsibilities– have boosted her confidence. "I didn't see myself as a leader until recently, but I've really enjoyed representing the program and managing different perspectives to make sure everyone's voices are heard," Grider noted.

Next up, she's working through her final nursing rotations, currently in surgery, leading up to graduation in May. While she isn't sure exactly where she'll launch her nursing career, she'd like to make her way back to athletics by eventually earning a Master's in Sports Medicine. She'll also continue coaching cheer and staying involved in Crimson Pride Athletics in any way she can.

"If you asked anyone on campus about Lauren," Cooper said, "you'd hear the same thing: She's always willing to help, always striving to improve, and always finding ways to make a difference."