Lola Lampley’s basketball story began long before she ever stepped onto the court at Lawrence Central High School. As the daughter of former college basketball players Kenneth and Jannon Lampley, and the younger sister of standout athlete Jaylah Lampley, the game has always been woven into the fabric of her life.
“I kind of just got thrown into it,” Lola says.
She remembers watching her sister play on a school team when she was too young to join.
“I always wanted to be out there with her,” she says. “When I was finally old enough, my parents knew it was something I wanted to do. Basketball was always around us.”
Now a senior and one of the state’s most dynamic players, Lola has carved out her own identity by earning national attention and ultimately committing to play at LSU next fall. But her roots at Lawrence Central, and the family legacy that shaped her, remain at the heart of who she is.
One of Lola’s most memorable seasons came during her sophomore year, when Lawrence Central captured a state championship. That title run was made even more meaningful because she played alongside her sister, Jaylah.
“It was probably the best high school year I’ve had,” Lola says. “Not just because we won, but because of the things I learned along the way. Watching my sister and our senior point guard lead that year helped me grow into the leader I am now.”
Leadership and a relentless work ethic have become Lola’s trademarks. She describes her playing style as that of a “big guard,” a versatile force who can handle the ball, score, defend, and create mismatches. Much of her development comes from hours spent training with her father and brothers.
“I’m always working,” she says. “Every single day, Monday through Sunday. But it’s something I love. Even during school, if I have a study hall, I’ll get shots up. Before every game, I try to get up 200 shots. It never feels like a job.”
When it came to choosing a college, LSU stood out immediately.
“They checked all the boxes,” Lola says.
Her visit to Baton Rouge solidified her decision.
“Getting the opportunity to play for a legendary coach like Kim Mulkey, how could you turn that down? And learning from a Hall of Famer who played my position, Seimone Augustus — that’s something not many people get,” she says.
She was also drawn to the program’s unmatched fan support and the energy surrounding women’s basketball at LSU.
“They’re so passionate,” she adds. “You feel it the moment you walk through the door.”
The landscape, facilities, and overall commitment to athlete development also played a role.
“Everything there is bigger and better,” she says. “They make their athletes better.”
Lola chose between nearly 30 schools before narrowing her options, but LSU offered exactly what she wanted and needed. Her goals for her freshman year center on growth.
“I want to come in and be a sponge,” she says. “I want to soak up everything. Learn from the people around me. Keep pushing myself every day.”
Long-term, she hopes to earn SEC honors and someday play professionally, but she also plans to major in mechanical engineering, keeping multiple future paths open.
Despite her intense schedule, Lola maintains balance through cooking, spending time with friends, watching movies, and resting her body whenever she can. Academics remain a priority, too — something she credits her parents for instilling in her.
“Time management is huge,” she says. “Having parents who’ve been there helped a lot. They taught us how to stay organized and keep our grades where they need to be.”
To younger athletes, Lola offers one simple message: confidence comes from hard work.
“If you’re in the gym giving 100% on your own, when you’re in front of a crowd, you’ve already been there,” she says. “Believe in yourself, trust your work and be resilient. That’s how the good become great.”
As she prepares for her final months at Lawrence Central, Lola Lampley stands ready to continue the family legacy while blazing a path entirely her own.
