USD Alum Lauren Schad Changes French Sides, Becomes Nike N7 Ambassador

Former University of San Diego star Lauren Schad has moved from VBC Chamalières to VB Nantes Rezé Métropole within the French Pro A league. The 6-2 (188 cm) middle blocker, a Cheyenne River Lakota, was also recently named a Nike N7 Ambassador. According to the official N7 website, the initiative is “our commitment to bring sport and all of its benefits to Native American and Aboriginal communities in the United States and Canada.”

In her Instagram post announcing the news, Schad wrote: “Words cannot begin to describe the amount of emotions I’m feeling. I’m so beyond humbled and honored to announce that I am officially signed with the Nike N7 brand as an ambassador. It is rare to find an organization and fund that both supports your passion and calling. Nike N7 has given me the opportunity to use and build my platform as a Native Athlete to inspire the next generation, which I am forever grateful for.”

During the 2017-2018 regular season, Schad scored 155 points in 22 matches for the Chamalières Panthers, including 10 aces. Chamalières finished in 12th position in the Pro A table, while Nantes placed 8th during the regular season.

Nantes Head Coach Cyril Ong commented on Schad: “Lauren had a good season with Chamalières. Her physical attack and block presence will bring us a lot. Her commitment to hard work, ambition and good attitude are common values of mine and our club, so it seemed only natural to embark on this journey together.”

Well guys, after keeping you in the dark a bit I’m happy to announce that after being home and reflecting on my rookie season I’ve made my decision to return to France and play my second season with @vbnantes @vbn_inside . Thank you for everyone who has constantly supported me and allowed me to come into my own. Your continuous support and kind words are what allow me to continue my dream of playing. Thank you for @elitevolley for continuously letting me grow and giving me the opportunity to move forward with my professional career and keeping me accountable and always reminding me to move forward and have confidence in myself. And huge shout out to @vbcchamalieres for training me to be player that thrived and trained me to be the middle and wannabe libero I’ve always wanted to be. Because of trainings I’m a more rounded player. I’m forever grateful for everything you’ve done! Ill see you on the other side of the court 🙂 Stay posted for more exciting news! @elitevolley @usdvolleyball @lnv_officiel #LNV @nantesport44 @nanteshype #cheyenneriversioux #cheyenneriver #CRST @smccra #DareToRise #Equality #stoodis

A post shared by Lauren schad (@laurenschad) on May 29, 2018 at 5:37pm PDT

HUGE NEWS!!!! Words cannot begin to describe the amount of emotions I’m feeling. I’m so beyond humbled and honored to announce that I am officially signed with the Nike N7 brand as an ambassador. It is rare to find an organization and fund that both supports your passion and calling. Nike N7 has given me the opportunity to use and build my platform as a Native Athlete to inspire the next generation, which I am forever grateful for. Huge thank you to @smccra for continuously supporting me and giving me the chance to represent my family, tribe, and ancestors in this exciting new chapter of my life. Another thank you to everyone who has constantly supported me and given me encouraging words. Whenever times seemed hard, you were all there helping me get through it! #DareToRise #UntilWeAll #Equality #NikeN7 #CRST #cheyenneriver #elitevolleyfam @elitevolley @usdvolleyball photograph | @saucyortegs Wopila Tanka!

A post shared by Lauren schad (@laurenschad) on Jun 6, 2018 at 6:08pm PDT