Lauren first picked up a basketball at the age of five and has been hooked ever since! From winning a High School Provincial Championship, to being named to the Canwest All Rookie Team, being an Academic All-Canadian, winning Team MVP for the University of Manitoba Bisons Women’s Basketball and being the only player in program history to record 100 assists in a season, Bartlett wrapped her decorated basketball career this year.

Bartlett credits a large part of her success to the mentors she’s had, including her older sister Deidre. Deidre was on the Bisons prior to Lauren starting her freshman year and made the transition from high school hoops to USports basketball a smooth one. Lauren was able to compete against her bigger sister, but they were also each other’s biggest cheerleaders and best friends. With Deidre being well liked and fostering friendships with her teammates off the court, Lauren was able to mesh with her new teammates easily. Lauren also praised Deidre for being a vocal leader, which allowed her to do the same once Deidre graduated. When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Lauren said, “to relax and not let the stress of the game get to me.” It’s the fine balance of not letting a loss sting for too long. To her teammates, who she is leaving behind, she reminds them to have fun and enjoy the game, through the good times and bad. Two pieces of advice from her parents that Lauren lives by are: there is nothing you can’t learn and, why not me?

Although Bartlett started playing basketball at a young age, she began watching basketball in high school and idolized both Isiah Thomas and Sue Bird. She compares her game to Sue Bird (who was also a pass first point guard) and Tony Parker who was an efficient point guard and really utilized change of pace and change of direction. When asked who Lauren would have as her first two guests if she hosted her own basketball podcast? “My first two guests would be Sue Bird and Caitlin Clark,” who she played against while on the 17U Provincial Team). When it comes to hooping and shoes, Lauren prefers functionality over looks and that’s why she likes to wear Kyrie’s.

Bartlett understands the pressure that comes with being an athlete and always having to be “on” and having to perform. She credits the University of Manitoba and the Bison’s program for having resources in place, with the team having access to Sports Psychologists and Nutritionists. On a personal level she credits her support system (her family) and talking with them about how she feels and creating a safe space to express herself.   

With Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and the use of social media Women’s Basketball continues to grow, even here locally in Manitoba. Lauren credits Neil Noonan (Bison’s Digital Media & Production Coordinator) and the spotlight on Bison athletes and their stories! Furthermore, she noted the expansion of the CEBL and the Winnipeg Seabears which has caused a new buzz in our city and has exposed more people to basketball with Basketball Manitoba reporting record highs in participation in leagues like Winnipeg Minor Basketball. 

When she’s not dropping dimes on the hardwood or busy studying Lauren loves golfing, listening to music, checking out different coffee shops and playing the Ukulele. Looking ahead, Lauren’s ambitions extend beyond the basketball court as she prepares to embark on a new chapter in her life. Armed with a degree in Commerce and a passion for Finance, she sets her sights on a career in Investment Banking, eager to make her mark in the corporate world while staying connected to the game. She plans to join a rec league, get into coaching and to continue supporting the Bisons!