Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Thursday, January 20, 2011

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Lauren Fields, a 2006 graduate of Tates Creek High School, is back at the middle school as the dance team coach.

Lauren Fields stays busy as a technician in the Emergency Department at UK Chandler Hospital. She also has a lot on her mind with planning her spring wedding. Yet she still takes time to coach the dance team at Tates Creek Middle School.

“Four years ago, I just came and said ‘I’ve danced since I was 4 and would love to help out,’” she recalled.

Her willingness, stamina and background have made it a good fit.

Though Fields studied tap, jazz and ballet, she passed up a dance scholarship to focus on her career; she plans to become a physician’s assistant or attend medical school.

“I am blessed that Lauren is teaching those girls one of my shared values: Hard work does pay off,” said Emily Doolin, whose daughter Madeline has blossomed under Fields’ guidance. “I have sat back and watched her coach these middle school girls. I have watched her model respect and leadership, and I have watched her motivate them to be their personal best.”

The dance team – which covers jazz, hip hop and pom – practices several times a week to prepare for districtwide competitions and performances at home basketball games. Coming up is the middle school Cheer and Dance Team Showcase.

“It’s fun, but hard work. It has to be something you enjoy,” said Fields, whose team spent the past month polishing a hip-hop number for the showcase.  

In two years as head coach, Fields has found a comfortable balance. Part of the job is tough, such as culling the list after tryouts and monitoring the girls’ grades weekly. But most of the season flows easily for her and the students.

“She interacts with all of us and makes it all fun,” said eighth-grader Presli Neal, a dance team veteran. “She’s a good role model for us, too. She’s always saying even if we lose, just keep a smile on your face.”

While Fields is a strong organizer who likes to get things done, she realizes that flexibility is crucial when dealing with adolescents.

“With people, you have to give a little and be graceful,” she said as laughter punctuated the girls’ warm-up drills. 

One of her favorite aspects of coaching is seeing the student-athletes develop new skills and self-confidence, as she noted, “Sixth grade to eighth grade is such a huge jump in maturity and physical ability.”  

Presli remembers how she felt in her first year on the team; that’s why she now makes a point of reaching out and supporting the younger girls.

“We’re all like a big family now, and we’re so comfortable with each other,” she said.

Doolin praised Fields for instilling that sense of camaraderie, saying she has a gift.

For her part, Fields simply relishes the opportunity to build relationships with the students.

“I want them to go into high school confident,” she said. “I want them to know they’re important and that they matter.”

If you go

Cheer and Dance Team Showcase

Who: Middle school teams from throughout Fayette County

When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3

Where: Henry Clay High School gym

Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students