Photo by: Jacob Gonzalez
Hackett Signs Professional Contract
6/12/2018 11:56:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Lauren Hackett knows there will be some pressure awaiting her when she takes the next step in her volleyball career, and she likes that. The recent California Baptist University graduate signed a contract to play for proWIN Volleys TV Holz, a professional volleyball team in Saarbrücken, Germany.
While there was never any discussion over what the role will be for Hackett, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter who can just about jump out of the gym, she knows what the expectations are for her.
"They leave these spots open to bring in an import. There's a little bit of pressure there because they expect to get their money's worth, which is fine, I understand this is now a job situation," Hackett said. "There's pressure but that's what I like and I like being put in the role of big hitter because that's what I am used to."
Hackett has certainly been the Lancers' big hitter over the last four years. She earned five All-American awards and was a four-time, first-team All-PacWest selection and a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American to boot.
In all, the Covington, Wash. native totaled 1,687 kills (4.04 a set) on 4,377 attacks and 112 aces over her career, along with 892 digs (2.13 a set) and 279 blocks, which were all NCAA-era (2013-17) career records for CBU. Her attacks and kill total also ranked third and fifth in CBU's rally-scoring era.
This past year, Hackett was a two-time All-American and was named the Player of the Year in the PacWest and the West Region by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. It was a full-circle moment after she was voted the Freshman of the Year in the conference, region and D-II at large in 2014.
Prior to college, Hackett did not see herself playing professionally.
"Before that, I just wanted to play until I could get on with real life, now I realize this is going to be a lot more fun than real life for a while," Hackett said.
One of the reasons Hackett did not see herself playing professionally is because her aspirations extend far outside the lines of a volleyball court. Down the line, she wants to do some anti-human trafficking and poverty-relief work with underprivileged women. She is hoping sports can help positively impact her ministry.
"Now if I take it one step further, I am realizing the impact it can have later on," Hackett said. "I want to explore, see other cultures and see how volleyball fits in the world setting.
"I want to see how sports can empower. I have a vision of going to the Philippines and using volleyball as a way of ministry, empowerment and keeping kids off the streets. The other thing is you don't realize how many little girls are looking up to you when you're on a platform like this. I realize after doing camps at CBU and stuff, the little girls see everything you do."
Hackett credited CBU, her coaches Branden Higa (head) and Blair Penner (assistant) and courses, for helping prepare for this next step in life.
"The school in general sets you with this worldly mindset. It gives you a desire to see other cultures, meet people and not just settle for staying around your bubble," she said. "CBU volleyball gave me so much confidence as a player. The coaches have told me I should play pro – the people, stories and level of volleyball is going to be worth it. I was definitely pushed by Branden in a good way to pursue this."
Hackett hopes this move for her can help repay the Lancers for how she has developed as an athlete and as a person.
"I hope it would just lead to more exposure of our athletics program nationwide," Hackett said. "Regionally we are pretty well known, but I hope it puts a bigger spotlight on our program and Christ-centered athletics in general."
While there was never any discussion over what the role will be for Hackett, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter who can just about jump out of the gym, she knows what the expectations are for her.
"They leave these spots open to bring in an import. There's a little bit of pressure there because they expect to get their money's worth, which is fine, I understand this is now a job situation," Hackett said. "There's pressure but that's what I like and I like being put in the role of big hitter because that's what I am used to."
Hackett has certainly been the Lancers' big hitter over the last four years. She earned five All-American awards and was a four-time, first-team All-PacWest selection and a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American to boot.
In all, the Covington, Wash. native totaled 1,687 kills (4.04 a set) on 4,377 attacks and 112 aces over her career, along with 892 digs (2.13 a set) and 279 blocks, which were all NCAA-era (2013-17) career records for CBU. Her attacks and kill total also ranked third and fifth in CBU's rally-scoring era.
This past year, Hackett was a two-time All-American and was named the Player of the Year in the PacWest and the West Region by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. It was a full-circle moment after she was voted the Freshman of the Year in the conference, region and D-II at large in 2014.
Prior to college, Hackett did not see herself playing professionally.
"Before that, I just wanted to play until I could get on with real life, now I realize this is going to be a lot more fun than real life for a while," Hackett said.
One of the reasons Hackett did not see herself playing professionally is because her aspirations extend far outside the lines of a volleyball court. Down the line, she wants to do some anti-human trafficking and poverty-relief work with underprivileged women. She is hoping sports can help positively impact her ministry.
"Now if I take it one step further, I am realizing the impact it can have later on," Hackett said. "I want to explore, see other cultures and see how volleyball fits in the world setting.
"I want to see how sports can empower. I have a vision of going to the Philippines and using volleyball as a way of ministry, empowerment and keeping kids off the streets. The other thing is you don't realize how many little girls are looking up to you when you're on a platform like this. I realize after doing camps at CBU and stuff, the little girls see everything you do."
Hackett credited CBU, her coaches Branden Higa (head) and Blair Penner (assistant) and courses, for helping prepare for this next step in life.
"The school in general sets you with this worldly mindset. It gives you a desire to see other cultures, meet people and not just settle for staying around your bubble," she said. "CBU volleyball gave me so much confidence as a player. The coaches have told me I should play pro – the people, stories and level of volleyball is going to be worth it. I was definitely pushed by Branden in a good way to pursue this."
Hackett hopes this move for her can help repay the Lancers for how she has developed as an athlete and as a person.
"I hope it would just lead to more exposure of our athletics program nationwide," Hackett said. "Regionally we are pretty well known, but I hope it puts a bigger spotlight on our program and Christ-centered athletics in general."
Players Mentioned
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