Lauren Askevold has always been passionate about fitness training, even long before she ever met Deion Sanders. But before she ventured into training, she built an impressive academic resume. First, she completed a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Lauren also boasts a Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) from Nova Southeastern University.
Lauren then built her career by working with athletes, staying consistent, and proving her value in high-performance environments.
Later on, her path crossed with Sanders, who recognized her drive and brought her on board during his time at Jackson State. Stepping into the HBCU world was new for her, but she embraced the culture, earned respect, and became a key part of the program’s success.
Now, with Coach Prime leading the charge in Colorado, Askevold is right there with him, adding another major chapter to her already impressive resume.
Lauren Askevold’s Journey Before Deion Sanders
Before linking up with Deion Sanders, Lauren Askevold had already carved out a solid path in sports medicine. Originally from Wisconsin, she made a big move to Florida in 2013 to join IMG Academy, a powerhouse high school program known for feeding talent into Division I colleges. There she was, the lead Football Athletic Trainer.
At IMG, she sharpened her craft by working hands-on with top-tier talent athletes who weren’t just dreaming of the NFL, but actually made it. Among them were future pros like Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler and running back Tony Jones Jr.
Lauren Askevold also worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Select Medical in Birmingham, Alabama, from January to November 2019.
After more than six years of hands-on experience, her career took another leap when she got involved with the XFL, where she worked from September 2019 to April 2020, handling pro-level demands and fast-paced environments.
Her growing reputation and expertise eventually led her to Jackson State in 2021, where she joined Deion Sanders’ staff. That move not only brought her into the world of HBCU athletics but also positioned her alongside one of the biggest names in football. It was all part of a steady climb that’s now brought her to Colorado with even bigger goals.
Coach Prime Personally Called Lauren
Lauren Askevold’s journey took a major turn late in 2020, when her phone rang with an unexpected call. “And then December 14, 2020, I got a call from Coach Prime… and he was like, it’s Coach Prime,” she recalled. Caught off guard, she couldn’t believe it. “Like, Deion Sanders? … Because you’re not thinking he’s going to call your phone, right?”
But it was real. Coach Prime wanted to know who she was, how she trained athletes, and what kind of experience she had. It wasn’t just small talk. He was vetting her. Lauren explained, “Listen coach, I’m younger, but I’m a little old school. If there’s no bone or blood like your a*s is on that field.” That answer clearly struck a chord, because Sanders didn’t hesitate. “And he was like, ‘come work for me’.”
That one 2-minute phone call changed everything. From that moment, she officially became part of Deion Sanders’ team and stepped into the world of HBCU football.
Lauren Misses Jackson State
When Lauren Askevold joined Jackson State University, she was stepping into a culture she hadn’t experienced before. Coming from outside the HBCU world, she didn’t know what to expect, but she quickly found her place. “The city loved like the football team,” she said, remembering how deeply connected the community was to the program.
It wasn’t just about wins or game day energy. It was about belonging. “The city rallied behind us, everybody was for the football team,” she recalled. The support wasn’t surface-level; it was real and constant. “It was such a family-oriented vibe,” Lauren said, describing how she felt embraced not just as a trainer but as part of the JSU family.
The passion, the culture, and the unity made a lasting impression. “The HBCU is like family, that feel, that vibe, it’s unmatched,” she said. “That’s what I missed about Jackson State.”
Lauren’s time at Jackson State was more than just a job; it felt like home. And even as she continues to grow in her career, a part of her will always carry the spirit and community of JSU with her.
Praise you Jesus. For that beautiful ladies right there.GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU MS.LAUREN.FOR ALL THAT YOU DO.AND HAVE DONE.FOR OUR COACH.HE CHOSE WISELY.WHEN HE BROUGHT YOU ON BOARD.PRAY FOR YOU ALWAYS,ANGEL.