Lauren Ford

I attribute much of my success to the unwavering drive, discipline, and work ethic my parents instilled in me from a young age. More importantly, it wasn’t just what they told me, it was what they showed me every day through their actions. They led by example, demonstrating the value of hard work, perseverance, and doing things the right way, even when no one was watching.

I watched them make sacrifices, stay committed to their responsibilities, and push through challenges with strength and determination. From them, I learned that success is not about shortcuts or talent alone, but about consistency, character, and the willingness to keep going when things are difficult. Their example taught me to take pride in my work, respect the process, and approach every opportunity with purpose.

Because of their influence, I carry a strong sense of accountability and a commitment to growth in everything I do. Whether in athletics, academics, or my professional career, I strive to reflect the same resilience, integrity, and determination that they modeled for me. Their guidance continues to shape the way I lead, compete, and support others, and it remains one of the greatest foundations of my success.

The best advice I was ever given was, “Be so good that they can’t take you out.” It was simple, but it carried a powerful message that shaped my entire playing career. The idea was that your performance, effort, and consistency should speak so loudly that there is no question about whether you belong on the court. You make yourself indispensable through your work ethic, your preparation, and the way you compete.

The best advice I would give a young woman entering this industry is to be strong, be authentic, and be confident in who you are. Stand tall in every room you walk into and never allow the opinions, doubts, or expectations of others to shrink you or change you. Your voice matters. Your presence matters.

There will be moments when you are the only woman at the table. In those moments, remember that you belong there. Do not apologize for your standards, your ambition, or your vision. Keep demanding excellence from yourself and from those around you. Refuse to settle. Lead with integrity, stay grounded in your values, and let your work speak for you.

One of the biggest challenges in my industry still comes down to perception, specifically how I look. It is not always easy being a Black woman in a leadership position. There are times when people question your presence before they ever learn your name, your experience, or your accomplishments. There can be immediate doubt about your ability or whether you truly earned the position you hold.

Those questions often come even when your résumé is just as strong or stronger than your counterparts. You may find yourself having to prove your competence repeatedly in ways others may never have to. It can feel like you are constantly being evaluated not only on your performance, but also through the lens of stereotypes and assumptions.

Despite those challenges, I have learned to let my work, preparation, and results speak for me. I focus on leading with confidence, professionalism, and integrity. Over time, consistency builds credibility and excellence becomes undeniable. While the challenges are real, they also fuel my commitment to open doors for the next generation of women and women of color who aspire to lead in this space.

Three values that are most important to me are loyalty, honesty, and authenticity. These principles shape the way I lead, coach, and build relationships with the people around me.

Loyalty means standing by the people and programs you are committed to. It is about being dependable, supporting your team through both success and adversity, and showing up consistently. Loyalty builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong team or organization.

Honesty is equally important. Clear, truthful communication creates respect and accountability. Whether the message is easy or difficult, honesty allows people to grow, learn, and improve. It also creates an environment where expectations are clear and everyone understands their role.

Authenticity ties everything together. I believe in being genuine and true to who you are, rather than trying to fit into someone else’s mold. When you lead with authenticity, people know what to expect from you. It creates a sense of stability, respect, and connection.