FLAMES FEATURE: LAUREN CHENNAULT

Since joining the Flames as one of the first divers to be recruited to Liberty in 2018, Lauren Chennault has been a major contributor to the diving program’s success. Chennault currently holds the Liberty program record in one-meter and three-meter diving. Additionally, she has qualified for NCAA Zones in each of her first two seasons. Also, she captured the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) championship in one-meter diving last season. Before she arrived at Liberty, she was drawn to not only the brand-new diving program but also the aviation program.

“Aviation is so cool. When you’re flying, you get a bird’s eye view of everything.” Chennault said. “My dad was a pilot, and I have a few other relatives that fly for fun, so that drew me toward the program. There were a couple things that God allowed to happen that led me to choose aviation, and I absolutely love it; it is so much fun.”

Before Chennault began diving, she was an experienced gymnast. However, after a number of injuries, she decided to find something else to try.

“I was a gymnast for 14 years, and I lost the passion for gymnastics. I had been plagued with injuries, and I had a couple of surgeries.” Chennault said. “A friend of mine had switched from gymnastics to diving, and I decided to give it a shot. So I tried out for two weeks, and I was able to make the team after a few days.”

After successfully switching to diving, Chennault began to be recruited by Liberty. Following an on-campus visit, she decided to take a chance on a very young program. “Liberty stood out to me. I visited and I absolutely loved the campus and the team. When I joined the program, there were only three other girls who were recruited to be divers,” She said. “It was a really brand new program. I was pretty excited about it. There were not really any expectations to live up to, so I was able to go in and do my own thing and have fun with it.” Chennault feels a very close bond with her teammates. Over time, the women in the program have developed close, personal relationships that extend well beyond their time competing together. “I am a lot more confident now. I think the main way that this program has impacted me is through connections.” Chennault said. “I have met my lifetime best friends while a part of this program, and I would not have met them if I had not joined the team or come to Liberty.”

During the 2020-21 season, Chennault will look to get back to the NCAA Zones but also qualify for the NCAA Championships for the first time. Last season, she was unable to compete at the NCAA Zones due to an injury suffered just days before the meet, thereby preventing her from an opportunity to qualify for the 2020 NCAA Division I Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships.

“I really want to get certain skills that I didn’t have last year and get a more competitive list. Most of all, the main goal that I have is to qualify for the NCAA Championships.” She said. “Last year, I qualified for NCAA Zones, but I was not able to compete because I injured my foot two days before the meet, and I could not walk. I was very upset because that was the meet that I had been training for all year.”

Despite the frustration of the conclusion of last year, Chennault hopes to capture another CCSA Championship, return to the NCAA Zones and move on to the NCAA Championships. Despite all of the unusual circumstances surrounding the 2020-21 season, Chennault and the Lady Flames have high expectations as they aim to capture their third by Paul McCaw Liberty Athletics Communications

straight CCSA team title.