On January 17 Loretto Academy senior Lauren Donegeaux was nominated for the Flo Hyman Award, which is given to an outstanding female athlete who embodies excellence and leadership.

Lauren’s dedication to sports, academics, and extracurricular activities make her a stand out of the Loretto community and a possible recipient of this prestigious award.

The Flo Hyman Award

Flo Hyman, whom the award was named after, was an Olympic American volleyball player and a strong advocate for gender equality in sports.

Among her many accomplishments, Hyman was the first woman to receive an athletic scholarship to the University of Houston.

She also led the U.S. women’s volleyball team to a silver medal at the 1984 Olympics.

Hyman was also known for being a major advocate for gender equality in athletics.

She spent a majority portion of her time lobbying for increased funding for women’s sports.

In 1986, Hyman died unexpectedly from Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder.

Hyman was inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1988.

She has a statue in her honor standing at the entrance of the Olympic Volleyball Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Lauren – The Person

Lauren has been at Loretto Academy  since her sophomore year. 

During her time here, she has played on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams and acted as team captain on each.

At school, Lauren serves as the secretary of both Athletic Trainers and Loretto’s Athletic Association. 

She also holds herself to high academic standards, receiving awards such as the AP Scholars prize and A/B honor roll. 

Most importantly, Lauren is always willing to serve as a role model and help her fellow classmates and teammates. 

While on the court, Lauren served as a role model for the girls on her team as well as the younger players by always being on time, having all of her gear, and giving her 100% at each and every practice. 

Lauren said, “During my time at Loretto I’ve really tried to positively impact the community in any way I can, which is why I have made such an effort to perform to the best of my ability at all times.”

In the classroom, Lauren makes it a point to dedicate time out of her day to tutor underclassmen and help them with whatever they may need.

These are just a few of many examples of the positive impact Lauren has sought to leave on Loretto Academy. 

Lauren and Flo

Even though Lauren did not end up winning the award her hard work and dedication make her a student athlete worth recognizing as a special part of the Loretto community

 Lauren said, “Just being nominated feels like such incredible validation for all of the effort I have put into these aspects of my life.”

As for women in sports, the Flo Hyman award will continue to serve as inspiration for young women to push themselves to succeed in their sport.