We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Being a retired division 1 athlete, navigating work life balance was actually very tough for me. We were taught at a young age playing high level sports, that every ounce and second of your life was to be dedicated to perfecting your craft (in my case, was volleyball). I earned a athletic full-ride scholarship to play division 1 volleyball with that work ethic and dedication to every second of my day filled with training to be the best or studying to get into my dream school.

This balance has carried with me into adulthood and has been something that I have had to learn as an adult does not need to be as rigid, since I am no longer training or competing for anything. I think balance is so important and now that I am in my adulthood and pursuing a career, I want to be able to enjoy what I do and enjoy who i do it with – so the my balance has definitely changed over time. I have found myself working jobs that I purely enjoy such as coaching youth volleyball or teaching group fitness classes for the love of work, rather than burning myself out on just “work”. I also enjoy living life and doing activities and staying active outside of work to help me stay grounded. Balancing life is so important and something that takes un-learning after playing high-level sports.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
OH boy, I work a bunch of different jobs that has helped me shape my career today.

Currently I work at UC San Diego as the Director of Digital Marketing for Athletics.

Aside from that, I also work at WAVE Volleyball Club as the Director of Marketing and Head Coach for 9u.

For fun, I work teaching group fitness classes, and take freelance marketing clients as well as do UGC content on the side!

Being 25 years old, none of this was easy. I graduated from San Diego State as the valedictorian from the class of 2021. I worked my booty off in college networking and building relationships with mentors, professors, and other peers that have helped shape me into my role today. I acquired many of my roles because of my involvement in college athletics back from 2018-2021 even during the amidst of COVID.

None of this was easy, but I think truly if you put your hard work and efforts where your mouth is – you will reap the benefits.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wooo! North County San Diego is my favorite and where I currently live.

Cardiff by the sea for a rail trail walk, get a matcha latte from Rosehill and a cardiff crack burrito.

I would grab sushi at Azuki or sushi ota and maybe hit the town for some drinks in little italy after!

I think North county san diego has the gems of san diego because this is where the locals tend to fester to. San Diego is such a unique place because of all the activities you can do. For an example, we can golf, hike, ski, snowboard, and surf all in ONE day. AMAZING. MY favorite part of living in the city is the energy and activity!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have mentored me along the way!

Theresa and Andre Reed have been a rock for me in mentorship, support, and encouragement. Theresa is the definition of a girl boss and has both the beauty and brains to back all of her accomplishments! She has shown me how to work your butt off, have fun, and also be a bada** in a field dominated by men. She has been the best at giving me advice, mentoring me, and also just being a wonderful role model for young women (like myself) to look up to.

Theresa is the best.

Instagram: laurennicolelee8

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenlee8/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.