Texas Tech University Athletics
Junior setter Laura Grote
September 15, 2003 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 15, 2003
When it comes to getting to know Laura Grote, it's important to know that she is a very tenacious, determined and outgoing person on and off the court. One also cannot overlook the fact that she is extremely dedicated to her family.
"I talk to my mom at least everyday, if not, that every other day," said Grote. "I have to thank my family and friends for all of their support through the years."
Grote has been known to, when she goes home to visit her parents, spend 30 minutes of her day watching the cooking channel so that she can prepare a new meal for her dad when he comes home from work.Grote is not only close to her parents, but also to her older sister, Elizabeth, who recently got married this past April to Tye Jackson.
"I would have to say that my sister's wedding would have to be one of my favorite moments ever away from the court," said Grote. "The chance to participate in something that was so exciting, as well as seeing all of the family I haven't seen in a while was great."
Yet, while Grote's favorite moment centers around her family, her most embarrassing moment happened right here on Tech campus in the dining halls. Grote was participating in her normal morning ritual of getting a chug milk for breakfast and shaking it well as directed on the bottle. Only this time, Grote forgot that she had already opened the bottle, so when Grote began to shake it, the milk shot out of the bottle and on to Kelly Johnson and then football quarterback Kliff Kingsbury.
"I have to say that that was one of my most embarrassing moments," said Grote. "Especially since it was when I was a sophomore, and still kind of new and shy."
Since Grote has recovered from her embarrassment, and moved on to greater things and aspirations. Some of Grote's aspirations revolve around her major of public relations. Grote hopes to be a public relations director or top executive for a hotel located somewhere exotic or some international company. With whatever field she gets into, her greatest desire is to travel and see the world.
Though Grote has a great desire to get out and travel, she is very grounded in her Christian faith, and is a regular attendant at First Baptist Church. She also, though volleyball demands a lot of her time, found time through her busy schedule to work with the community by mentoring to local elementary school kids.
Nancy Todd, the Texas Tech head volleyball coach, says that Grote is a great person and a good leader, which shows through her work off and on the court.
"Laura is not afraid to express herself on the court and is a good leader," said Todd. "I think that Laura leads by example in all ways: as a student, person, and as a someone who relates to the community."
So with exception to spending most of her time in practice, school, or traveling to away games, Grote can be found watching the Travel channel at home and spending time with her teammates and close friends. The list not only includes Johnson, Daneen Grisham, Jessy Herrera, and Breanna Pursley but also the love of her life. Her lab-pit mix dog, Bailey.
"I am in love with my dog Bailey," said Grote.
Look for Grote to be a wild spirit on the court who will make things happen.
