March 21, 2020

By Fred Liggett
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When away at college getting the chance to come home is always exciting and that was the case recently for Lauren Fruits a 2002 Lee’s Summit North graduate now working at Texas University. Fruits is in her first season as a special assistant to the Texas Women’s basketball team. The Longhorns made a trip to Kansas City to play in the Big 12 post-season tournament held at Municipal Auditorium.

On coming back to KC for the Big 12 Women’s Tournament Fruits said, “It’s exciting to come back, even better KC is excited to host again, is going to be a fun trip” The Big 12 Women’s Tournament was canceled by conference officials on Thursday morning, March 12 due to the coronavirus. Not a single game was played. Coach Fruits and the Longhorns were the third seed in the tourney and would have played the fourth and final game on Friday night March 13.

The third seeded Longhorns finished the Big 12 regular season all by themselves in third place with an 11-7 league mark. Overall they finished 19-11. On Texas 2019-20 regular season Fruits said, “Had a good season. We played well the last few games and can take that into the tourney.”

On coaching in the Big 12 and in a Power 5 conference Fruits stated, “Crazy how so many talented players are in one place. Lucky to have one or two players on your team in high school. This has been a neat experience.”

What’s up next for Coach Fruits? “Got a role as a Support Specialist for the team this year, a good learning experience so focus is on that.”

Before heading off to Austin, Texas, Fruits coached at her alma mater from 2011- 2018. On the LS North experience as a player and a coach Fruits spoke about her mentor Tricia Lillygren. “Very lucky to play for her and work for her, she taught us a lot in high school, still talk on a daily basis, Fruits added, “became such good friends, learned so much from her while at LS North.”

LS North Girls Basketball coach Tricia Lillygren calls Fruits, “a great kid of character, proud to have her come through our program.” Lillygren added “that Fruits was a volunteer JV coach before gaining a paid position.” When asked what type of player Fruits was, “filled whatever role you wanted her to.”

On Fruits career now, Lillygren feels, “College is new to her, will move up within the Texas program.” Working hard, she is a risk taker, no limits on her.” Fruits played on a state championship team back in 2002 when the LS North Broncos won the state title game that year played at Hearnes Center at Mizzou. Now in 2020 Fruits is a coach hoping to lead a team to a title in Missouri, this time the title is a Big 12 Championship played in Kansas City, Mo.