Gymnast Laura Lane earned a spot on the 2012 SEC Community Service Team in recognition of her ongoing involvement in the Auburn community, the league office announced March 19.
"I came to college and there was a lot of opportunities to do community service work, and our first two years the coaches promoted it and I really enjoyed doing it," Lane said. "I've been given a great opportunity being on a team here and being part of something bigger than myself, and so it's a way for me to give back in a new way because I like giving back for what I'm given."
In an ongoing effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes outside the realm of competition, the SEC selects a Community Service Team for all 20 sports it sponsors.
The gymnastics Community Service Team honors seven gymnasts, one from each competing school. Athletes are chosen to represent their team and university based on superior involvement in the community.
Lane has participated in hours of community service since she became a Tiger.
"I do a lot of little projects," Lane said. "I've tutored at Drake Middle School with the sixth and seventh graders; I have worked for the last year or so at church on Sunday mornings playing with the 3-year-olds; I've done some volunteer reception work and just other things, you know just visiting elementary schools and a lot of things with youth."
Along with tutoring and working at Cornerstone Methodist Church, the senior from Glen Allen, Va., has participated in the Auburn Gymnastics Academy Big Sis/Lil Sis Program, volunteered at Dean Road Elementary and Auburn Early Education Center and was an event volunteer at the Reading is Fun 3K and the Toys for Tots race.
"Laura is one of the main leaders on our team and she is always giving of herself," said coach Jeff Graba. "She's done a great job of being selfless and giving back through her career, and I'm glad to see her receive recognition for those sacrifices.
"Knowing her character, it doesn't surprise me in the least bit to see how much she has done to impact the city of Auburn. She provides a great example for our team of how they should give back to others through their role as a student-athlete."
For Lane, being active in the community isn't something to be taken for granted.
"It just brings me joy knowing that you can make a kid's day or you can spend time with them and see how happy they are that you're there," Lane said.
Other members of the SEC Community Service Team include Ria Domier of Alabama, Kelci Lewis of Arkansas, Randy Stageberg of Florida, Mariel Box of Georgia, Whitney Rose of Kentucky and Ericka Garcia of Louisiana State.
"We stress community service with the team, but don't push it," Graba said. "We want them to understand that they should be involved because they are important to the community and they need to send a positive message. Laura is a perfect example of that philosophy. She's the type that makes others around her better. Our team is better for being around Laura Lane."
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