Ford, a native of Grove City, Ohio, was a three-sport standout at Central Crossing High School where she participated in cross country, track, and swimming. Her personal best in the five-kilometer cross country event came during her senior year when she posted a time of 23:35.20.

"As a three-sport athlete in high school, Lauren adds a solid work ethic to our young women’s cross country team,” said MVNU head coach Chip Wilson. "She has steadily improved in her running throughout her four years, and I am excited to see her times continue to improve as a member of the Lady Cougar cross country team.”

"Along with her running, Lauren also brings a positive personality to our team,” Wilson added. "As we continue to build this young team for the future, we will definitely need our athletes to remain positive. I look for Lauren to be a leader in this area.”

In addition to being involved in three sports at Central Crossing, Ford was also the DECA historian for 2007-2008.

"I chose MVNU for several reasons,” said Ford of her college choice. "It is a school that has the same core values that I also have. I believe that MVNU will be the best school for my education.”

The MVNU cross country program was reborn in the fall of 2006 after not having a program since the 1979 season. The Lady Cougars have been competitive in their first two seasons back on the college cross country map as evidenced by the team’s results as MVNU finished 10th at the AMC/NAIA Region IX meet in 2007 and 21st out of 24 teams at the National Christian College Athletic Association meet.