A fifth-year senior from Milford, Mass., Lauren Pearl returns to Minnesota for year five. She is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree in addition to being a 2024 All-Big Ten Second Team and Big Ten All-Championships Team selection. She also was named Big Ten Event Specialist of the Week on March 12, 2024 after a standout performance at Alabama. Pearl sat down with us for a summer check in to see where things are at heading into 2025-26.
GS: When you look back at your last four years here, has this journey been everything you expected it to be? LP: I think it's been more than what I expected. I knew it would be more fun than club, and not more laid back, but not trying to live up to the high demand of doing 10 of each skill in club. Besides the physical part, the team chemistry has been my favorite part. The coaches here have been amazing and now we have this incredible facility to be in. I've learned so much in my time here, especially about how to be a good leader.
GS: In your time here, you've been to four regionals, nationals and have received multiple Big Ten awards. Have there been a couple memories that have really stood out from your time at Minnesota? LP: Every Big Ten Championship has been fun. Each had a different story behind it. We've had a lot of success there, and in 2024 it was thought to be almost a transition year and we lost by just .100 for first place. Those are memories I'll never forget.
Pearl celebrates after a successful floor routine at the PavGS: Outside the gym, what are the things you're most proud of from your time at Minnesota? LP: I think I've been very open to meeting new people. We've had many personalities come in and I've done a great job adapting to those. I've had to accept many different roles here and I've built some amazing friendships here. Getting to know girls from different classes has helped me step out of my comfort zone and be friends with everyone.
GS: Now as a fifth year, how have you seen yourself grow as a leader? What is that going to look like for you this year? LP: I have learned a lot from the past fifth years. It was Lexy [Ramler] and Ona [Loper] then it was Ali [Sonier], Abbie Nylin and then Mya [Hooten] and Emily [Koch]. I've watched them for years and have taken a little something from each to help develop my leadership. I've noticed myself having to step into that role already with some changes going on. I feel prepared for this moment and I'm going to be there for my teammates no matter what. I've been building towards this.
GS: The team has been to three regional finals and one nationals (2022) during your time here. What's it going to take for this team next year to get back to nationals? LP: I think that the team needs to know now how to work and what the expectations are. If we all can put the work in and know where we need to get to in order to contribute and help the team in different lineups, it'll build confidence. We have a reigning national champion from JO's (Arianna Ostrum) here now and multiple incomers who did great this spring. We can't put pressure on ourselves to reach what Mya and Emily did right away, but to keep getting better throughout the season.
Pearl with last year's senior classGS: When you were a freshman, you came in as a high recruit, but it took you awhile to gain your footing in the college gym. What was the adjustment like to college and what's your advice to this year's freshmen? LP: That adjustment was something I could have never prepared for. People can tell you what it's going to be like, but that's different than living it and feeling it every day. If I could tell myself as a freshman that everything would be okay, I would feel so much better. You just need to trust the process and the plan of the coaches. I got hurt my freshman year and it felt like the end of the world at the time. I learned to step into other roles and embraced helping the team in any way I could, being the biggest cheerleader for my teammates. You can bring just as much to the team there as you can in the lineup. It's all about culture here, and it's so important to our success.
GS: What do you like to do outside of gymnastics? LP: If you watch my floor routine, you'd think I was extremely serious, but actually outside gymnastics that's not the case. I love to laugh and have fun. I love to go on adventures and hang out with friends at all times. I will go and do anything if my friends want to.
GS: Who is your favorite Gopher Gymnast of all-time to watch? LP: Mya Hooten. I'm sure that's a fan favorite but watching her in the gym and how she is as a teammate is so inspiring. She's one of my best friends. Outside of the gym I always look up to her. She didn't have it easy in high school and going into college, so I think that's something people look over. She kept following her dreams and it paid off for her. Gopher legend for sure.
Pearl had a spectacular 2024 on her way to All-Big Ten honorsRapid Fire
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Sport to Watch: Basketball, Football, Volleyball
Fun Fact: I had a bump the size of a golf ball on my ankle last season and couldn't wear shoes
Pro Sports Team: Boston Celtics
Hidden Talent: I can do a four-leaf clover with my tongue
Favorite Gymnast: Aly Raisman
TV Shows: Love Island
Inspiration: My mom and my coaches
