Crockett basketball player Lauren Smith in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

Crockett basketball player Lauren Smith in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Faces off the field gives a deep look into the thoughts and lives of high school athletes in the Austin area. Today we feature Crockett basketball player Lauren Smith, whose favorite day of the year is MLK Day.

All about Lauren: Future psychology major loves her Sudoku

Crockett basketball player Lauren Smith in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

Crockett basketball player Lauren Smith in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Tell something about you that most people don’t know.

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I love to read and write and am very intrigued to learn new things.

What has been your favorite vacation?

It was going to Chicago with my mom, dad, brother and sister in July 2017. The world was so peaceful and Chicago is absolutely beautiful. I remember my parents allowed me and my siblings to walk a few blocks down to a Walgreens to get snacks and it was such a fun experience being in a different city and exploring. 

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Outside of sports, what’s something that you’re really good at.

I’m really good at Sudoku. I started playing it online during COVID and love to play it in my downtime. 

Crockett basketball player Lauren Smith in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

Crockett basketball player Lauren Smith in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025.

Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

What is your favorite day of the year?

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My favorite day of the year is MLK Day. It also happens to fall every few years on my birthday (Jan. 20th). When MLK Day comes around, it reminds me of the past and how far America has come for what MLK fought for.    

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

After I graduate, I plan to attend a university and major in psychology.

Wine or lose, the world keeps spinning

What is your favorite basketball memory at Crockett?

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My favorite memory is our Crockett tournament. It’s so fun watching and playing against new teams every year. The energy, excitement and teamwork make it unforgettable. The tournament gives me a chance to bond with my teammates.

Has basketball taught you any lessons you apply to daily life?

Basketball has taught me that life goes on. Whether you lose or win, play or don’t or even score, the world keeps spinning. 

You play on the same time with your sister Aliyah. What’s that been like?

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It has its ups and downs, but it is truly a blessing to say I got to play basketball for three years with my sister. A lot of people don’t get this opportunity and I am grateful to share these special moments with a family member. 

Dream dinner: Holding court with Coco and the president

If you could have dinner with any four people from the history of the world, who would you choose?

I would choose Barack Obama, JuJu Watkins, (civil rights activist), Ruby Bridges and Coco Gauff.

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I choose him because he is one of the most inspiring leaders of our time. I admire how he stayed calm and confident even under pressure, always thinking before he spoke and treating people with respect. His story shows that no matter where you come from, you can make a difference. His inauguration date also happens to be the day I was born into the world. I’ve always felt a connection with him. 

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