Episode 25 – Garrett Boorojian and Lauren Sisler discuss relationship building in a team environment.
“I truly think that my experiences have given me such a deep level of gratitude.” – Lauren Sisler
Lauren is an ESPN Reporter based in Birmingham, Alabama, which is a role that she has served since 2016. Lauren has reported on college football and gymnastics for the Network. When she joined ESPN, Lauren was also hired as the SEC Network’s SEC Nation Reporter.
She also works for AL.com as a Sports Reporter and Host. Before ESPN and the SEC Network, Lauren worked as a Sports Anchor and Reporter for WIAT 42 (CBS–affiliated) in Birmingham. Prior to WIAT 42, she served in the same roles at WTAP–TV (NBC–affiliated) in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Before her move to West Virginia, Lauren was a Sports Reporter, Video Photographer and Editor at WDBJ7–TV (CBS–affiliated) in Roanoke, Virginia.
Her professional career started in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, at CNBC as a News Associate for Fast Money and then as a Technical Associate.
Tragically, Lauren’s parents lost their lives from prescription drug overdoses when Lauren was 18 years old. After suffering the very painful and heartbreaking tragedies and losses in her family, Lauren’s resilience and fortitude brought her to the pivotal moment of raising awareness and becoming an advocate for people fighting and avoiding their drug addiction. Lauren’s uncle and aunt, and her Rutgers’ teammates and coaches, were all there for her during the very difficult times she experienced after her parents passed away.
Lauren is a motivational speaker. As of 2022, she serves as the Chief Communications Officer for The12thStep.org, The organization’s mission is centered on connecting and caring with all those who are recovering from their drug additions. The Addiction Prevention Coalition in Birmingham, the Speakers Bureau for the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition, Bradford Health Services and The Foundry are groups Lauren has been a part of to inspire and help people who have been affected by their additions.
Lauren talks about covering a University of Kentucky and University of South Carolina football game. After learning of a unique characteristic of Kentucky’s J.J. Weaver, it brought to light that while challenges vary amongst people who face them, the empathy shown to all is universal.
“Gratitude” within relationship building is the final message Lauren shares with the viewers and listeners.
She graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with a B.A. in Communication. She was a Division I student athlete and honored as the Team Captain for Rutgers’ Gymnastics team.
Professional Accolades:
– Lauren won a Regional Emmy Award (2017); Interview between Charles Barkley and Nick Saban (11 million + views online including via social media)
– At WIAT 42, Lauren was a four–time award winner; one of the awards Lauren received was the National Sports Media Association’s Alabama Sportscaster of the Year (2016)
– Lauren was named Alabama Associated Press’ Best Sports Anchor (2014 and 2015)
– Lauren won the Alabama’s Best in Broadcasting (ABBY) as Sports Anchor of the Year (2013)