MONTGOMERY, Ala. ---- Auburn Montgomery head cross country coach Ryan Thompson has announced the addition of Lauren Etheridge as the graduate assistant for the programs.
 
Etheridge joins the Warhawks after running cross country and participating in track and field at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.
 
"Lauren is a tremendous addition to our staff," Thompson said. "She was highly recommended by the staff at UNC Asheville and she brings a wealth of knowledge to the program. By competing at the Division I level, she will be an added benefit as she helps instill the work ethic and mentality I am looking to instill within our program."
 
Despite battling injuries during her career, Etheridge lettered in cross country for two years and track and field in four seasons for the Bulldogs. She competed in the Big South Conference Indoor Track and Field Championship during her sophomore and senior campaigns, competing in the 800m and 4x400 in her first appearance and the distance medley relay in her finale. Last year, she interned with head coach Jesse Norman as member of the Bulldogs' cross country/track and field coaching staff.
 
Etheridge is also a certified personal trainer through the American Counsel on Exercise and is pursuing her certifications as a strength and conditioning coach through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
 
A 2017 graduate with a degree in health and wellness, Etheridge is the daughter of Mary Jo and Don Etheridge. She is pursing her master's in exercise science.
 
"I am excited to be a part of the development of the cross country program, as well as to assist the other programs through strength and conditioning," Etheridge said. "I can't wait to see how the athletes develop and flourish in their time as an AUM student-athlete, both in the classroom and within their individual sports."