Lakeland's Stephanie Lock Reflects on Career Accomplishments

From the moment Stephanie Lock entered high school, it was clear she was going to excel in pretty much any sport she chose. 

Now, as the senior's high school career is winding toward a close, it is clear that Lock will finish as one of the most decorated athletes in sports history.

It’s not just about the statistics, although they are significant: 10 varsity letters, numerous all-league, county and area teams and an all-state selection in track and field last season. But Lock has always had the natural ability to thrive as a leader while also getting along with all of her teammates. 

“From the very start of her career, you could see that she was a special athlete," said Lakeland basketball head coach Mike Head. "We’ve been fortunate to have her here as one of the most successful student athletes in recent years.

“She really could compete in college at any one of three sports, she’s that talented,”  Head said.

Lock will attend Urbana University in Ohio on a college scholarship next year for basketball. She is looking forward to the opportunity to continue her career at the next level. 

“I guess it’s the sport I have put the most energy into, and once I started (basketball), I’ve been hooked into it,” Lock said. “I love playing all sports, but you could say it is the sport I have the most fun playing.” 

Lock’s impact as an outside hitter on the Lakeland volleyball program was significant as a three-time letter winner. In fact, her presence on the court brought a very calming and confident effect, said head volleyball coach Jen Cottrill. Lock was always able to instill confidence in her teammates, largely because they knew she would be there to pick them up, Cottrill said, and that gave her an uncanny knack for inspiring those around her.  

“We always asked Steph to do it all — take the highest number of swings, shut down the other team's attackers, serve smart and aggressively, serve receive consistently, dig balls and on top of it, communicate, push her team and never take a play off,” Cottrill said.  

“It will be a daunting task to find someone to do what Steph did for this team and program," she said. "It is unimaginable to see my team on the court next season without her on the outside.”

Lock was named All Area, All Conference, All Region and was a Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Scholar Athlete her senior year in volleyball. She was second on Lakeland with 332 kills, third with 296 digs and also contributed  44 aces and 47 blocks and a 97 percent serve receive average.  

On the basketball court, Lock’s skill sets are significant. Head said he believes it is Lock’s versatility and her ability to improve each year that set her apart. 

“She really is very good or better at everything,” he said. “She can pass, rebound, play defense, score and lead. We really try to run the ball through her hands (on offense) most possessions.” 

She has already passed 750 points for her career at the varsity level. She also has more than 500 career rebounds. “Both those numbers are pretty significant, especially in three years,” Head said. 

Lock has had significant success in track as well, first as a runner during her first two years in high school, and then last season in the shot put and discus events. She made all-state in discus in her first full year competing in that event. She will continue to compete in shot put and discus this fall and considers the training regimen required for those sports important for her basketball workouts. 

“It has helped with my footwork and speed on the court,” Lock said. “All of the workouts for track really are incorporated into (beneficial) training for my basketball so I can continue to get stronger.” 

The success of Lakeland basketball has been particularly gratifying to Lock, but perhaps her favorite part of sports in general is the camaraderie she shares with her teammates. There may not be an athlete who smiles more while competing than Lock, who always seems to be sharing a laugh or savoring a moment with a teammate. 

“I’ve been fortunate to have been around great teammates who get along and great coaches,” Lock said. “I can say it has been fun at every step.”