Lauren Sisler

01/05/2025

Happy Birthday Auntie! 🎉 From the day I was born, you’ve been a steady presence in my life—a source of love, strength, and hope. You were Mom’s best friend, the one she looked up to, and I’ve always admired you just the same.

When life brought us unimaginable loss, you stepped in with unwavering love, guiding me as if I were your own. You restored my hope, lit my path, and reminded me that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a reason to believe in brighter days ahead.

Your wisdom, beauty, kindness, love, and grace have shaped who I am. I am endlessly grateful for the moments we’ve shared and the sweet memories we’ve created together in this life.

I hope your birthday was as special and full of love as the light you bring into this world. Auntie, I love you always! ❤️ Here’s to celebrating you today and every day!

01/02/2025

Wrapping up 2024 with the Fiesta Bowl for ESPN Radio 🏈🎤🎉This year marks my 9th with ESPN, and as I reflect on nearly a decade with this incredible network, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities, relationships, and memories along the way. This season brought its share of challenges, but it was also a year of profound personal growth and milestones that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Through every high and low, I’ve been reminded of the power of resilience, storytelling, and the support of an incredible team. Thank you, ESPN, for believing in me and giving me a platform to share these moments. Here’s to closing 2024 on a high note and looking ahead to more in 2025. Much love! ❤️

#2024

12/31/2024

This holiday season felt different for me.

I’ve always loved the lights, the music, and the traditions that make this time of year so special.

But this year, I learned how to navigate the holidays without my mom, dad, and now recently my brother, while still creating meaningful moments for my family.

Earlier this month, we decorated our Christmas tree with our 17-month-old son, Mason.

As I adjusted an ornament on a low branch, I glanced over and saw his face light up with wonder.

His tiny hands reached out toward the twinkling lights, and his giggles filled the room.

It was a glimmer—one of those small, sacred moments that reminded me of what truly matters.

Even in the midst of grief, those glimmers shone through, offering brief but powerful reminders of joy, hope, and connection.

This season, I leaned into those glimmers.

I focused on simple acts of self-care: lighting a candle that reminded me of home, reading a devotional, listening to music that soothed my heart, and taking a few quiet moments each day to reflect on gratitude.

Those small actions didn’t erase the grief, but they helped me find light in the dark.

If you felt the weight of the season, I hope you found your own glimmers.

Maybe it was the smile of a loved one, the sound of a favorite holiday song, or the warmth of a cozy blanket. Those small moments matter—they remind us that even in the hardest times, beauty and hope still exist.

Grief and joy coexist.

It hasn’t always been easy, but it was possible. And as I moved through the ups and downs this season, I found that creating space for both was where healing began.

Wishing you peace, joy, and glimmers of light as we move into the new year! ✨

12/30/2024

Wrapping up my final game of the 2024 season with the incredible C Crew. 🏈🎤📺 This team has been so much more than just colleagues — they’ve been family. Through a challenging season, they picked me up, supported me, and reminded me why I love what we do. Their talent, hard work, and heart inspire me week after week.

It’s bittersweet to close the chapter on this season because of the bonds we’ve built, the laughs we’ve shared, and the memories we’ve made. I’m so grateful for this crew! Here’s to another unforgettable run. I love y’all! ❤️

12/27/2024

Santa visit expectations: Cute pics and smiles. 📸😊

Reality: Tears, negotiations, and eventual surrender.😂🎅

Thanks and for the holiday memories. We’ll try again next year! ❤️

(PS - These were for the Christmas cards that unfortunately never made it out this season)

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!🎄🌟 This season, we’re celebrating the greatest gift of all—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His love and light bring us hope and remind us of the joy found in togetherness and the blessings of family. May your hearts be filled with His peace and love this season!❤️

12/22/2024

Pancakes and PJs at ICC 🥞🎄 Starting new holiday traditions with Mason and creating sweet memories together. Watching him light up as he built a penguin and watched Frosty brings me back to the Christmas joy I shared with my brother and family growing up. Having John, along with Lovey and Granddaddy, made it all the more special. Seeing Christmas through Mason’s eyes brings a special magic to the season.✨

12/21/2024

From the sidelines to the stories that matter most—the is so much more than a game, it’s about making a difference. Grateful to share this day with my ESPN family and the amazing bowl folks and sponsors supporting a cause that inspires hope. 💖🏈

12/13/2024

I’ve been sitting with this post for a while, unsure of how to share what’s on my heart.

The truth is, there are no perfect words—because life isn’t perfect.

As some of you may know, my family and I are walking through an incredibly difficult season right now after the loss of my brother. To say this has been one of the hardest times in my life feels like an understatement.

Grief has a way of blindsiding you, pulling the rug out from under you, and leaving you unsure of how to take the next step. Stepping back into work, standing on the sidelines, and putting on a brave face has felt like climbing a mountain.

I’ve questioned whether I could even do it. But a friend reminded me, “Getting back out there is a personal victory, even if no one else knows what you’re going through.” That stuck with me.

Sometimes, just showing up is enough. Sometimes, it’s OK not to have it all together.

If you’re navigating your own difficult season, know that you’re not alone.

Especially during the holidays, when the world seems wrapped in joy and celebration, it’s easy to feel isolated in your struggles. But you’re not.

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m committed to showing up—raw, real, and authentically me. I’ll keep sharing what I learn along the way.

Your grace, understanding, and support means the world to me.

With all my heart, thank you! ❤️

11/23/2024

My brother Allen made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He will be missed, but never ever forgotten.

In the two weeks since his passing, the outpouring of love and support for our family has been extraordinary. That’s where Allen’s spirit has shown up in the most beautiful way. The stories that have been shared and the memories so many have recounted about Allen—whether they met him just once or knew him for nearly a lifetime—paint the same picture. He was that kind of guy.

Allen had a love for life and lived for the “thrill.” There wasn’t much he did that didn’t carry some sort of risk. Sometimes, it would leave you shaking your head, saying, “Only Allen!” And you know, I think only Allen could bring together his closest family, military brothers, friends, and community the way he did last Saturday at his memorial service.

The sun shone so brightly over “God’s Country,” soaking the Blue Ridge Mountain tops in its beauty. The 21-gun salute, followed by the playing of Taps, echoed across the open field and into the church as light beamed through the windows. Even a big buck stood quietly in the grass next to the church while a memorial video played, illustrating Allen’s journey through life.

With heavy hearts, there were many tears. But through those tears, there was also a lot of laughter from the stories told and the memories shared. Allen’s presence filled our sweet little church in Newport, Virginia, with such joy. How is that possible in a time of such loss and sorrow? Only Allen.

I know the journey ahead will be long and winding, with many sharp turns and uncertainties, much like Spruce Run, the road that always led him back home. But one thing I know for certain, Allen has climbed that stairway to Heaven and come face-to-face with our good Lord. He is whole again. Made new. Free from all pain and suffering. Rejoicing with Mom and Dad once again!

One day, I’ll see you again, brother. Mom and Dad too. Until then, rest in peace.

I love you, A-Sis! ❤️

11/16/2024

We are ready to bring my brother Allen back home to "God's Country" and lay him to rest. Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers during this time. The stories and memories you’ve shared about Allen have been so uplifting. He touched so many lives and was truly one-of-a-kind. He will be missed but never, ever forgotten.
I love you A-Sis! ❤️

Allen Preston Sisler, 42, went home to be with our Lord in Heaven on November 8, 2024. He was born on March 7, 1982, at the naval base in Millington, Tennessee, to the late George Butch Sisler Jr. and Lesley Dornbush Sisler. Raised in Roanoke and Newport, Virginia, Allen graduated

11/14/2024

On November 8, 2024, my brother Allen went to be with the Lord in Heaven. As he and I have turned so many pages in this book of life together, it’s hard to find the words to close out this chapter. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I’m not ready for it to be over.

The best I can do, as I sit here reflecting on our lives together, is hold on tight to the extraordinary bond that we shared. It was an amazing gift, one that can only be described by the love that fills my heart when I think of you Allen. I came into this world two and a half years after you, and you took me under your wing. You were my big brother, my protector, and my biggest fan alongside Mom and Dad. And I was the proud little sister, tagging along, learning what it meant to be a Sisler.

I loved spending all those days running around the ball field, watching you earn your nickname “Hatchet.” And all of those road trips we took together for my gymnastics meets. I remember those days of us running around Castle Rock, playing flashlight tag, building forts, and riding our bikes up to the pool. How about that time you convinced me to jump out the back window of our house on Hereford onto the trampoline?! There wasn’t a whole lot that scared you and well, if Allen was doing it, so was I!

When we moved to Giles, I felt like the cool kid, riding shotgun to school with my big bro in his big blue jacked up F150 listening to AC/DC, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses. We shared a few hobbies, hunting however wasn’t one of them. You loved to torture me, leaving the truck bed open to see your favorite 8 point trophies on display. I did however love watching you and your team take laps around NRV Speedway. First on race day baby!

You loved NASCAR. So do I. You loved the Redskins. So do I. You loved the Hokies. So do I. You loved classic rock. So do I. You loved our country and the men and women who have selflessly served with you. So do I. You loved God. So do I.

After graduating from Giles High School, I watched you go after your dreams, following in Dad’s footsteps, serving in the Navy. 12 years. Three deployments. You carried those stars and stripes with great pride.

In 2016, you packed up and moved down to Alabama where we could finally be a little closer. Closing one chapter and starting another, we continued the Sisler legacy together.

It was us, doing this life together. We shared a lifetime of memories Allen, and those I will cherish forever. You were one-of-a-kind, leaving your mark with family and friends, everywhere you went and with every word spoken.

As I close my eyes, I see you up there, your arms wrapped around Mom and Dad, with the biggest smile on your face and that sweet little twinkle in your eyes.

Now It’s time to get you back home to the mountains of Virginia, to God’s Country, to lay you to rest.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Oak View Christian Church, 1649 Spruce Run Road, Newport, Virginia, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m., where Military Honors will be presented by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Posts 68, 311, and 415. He will later be laid to rest with our mom and dad at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia Courthouse.

Thank you all for your love and support. And most of all, thank you for loving Allen! ❤️

I love you A-Sis.
Team Sis.
Forever…

11/13/2024

On November 8, 2024, my brother Allen went to be with the Lord in Heaven. As he and I have turned so many pages in this book of life together, it’s hard to find the words to close out this chapter. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. I’m not ready for it to be over.

The best I can do, as I sit here reflecting on our lives together, is hold on tight to the extraordinary bond that we shared. It was an amazing gift, one that can only be described by the love that fills my heart when I think of you Allen. I came into this world two and a half years after you, and you took me under your wing. You were my big brother, my protector, and my biggest fan alongside Mom and Dad. And I was the proud little sister, tagging along, learning what it meant to be a Sisler.

I loved spending all those days running around the ball field, watching you earn your nickname “Hatchet.” And all of those road trips we took together for my gymnastics meets. I remember those days of us running around Castle Rock, playing flashlight tag, building forts, and riding our bikes up to the pool. How about that time you convinced me to jump out the back window of our house on Hereford onto the trampoline?! There wasn’t a whole lot that scared you and well, if Allen was doing it, so was I!

When we moved to Giles, I felt like the cool kid, riding shotgun to school with my big bro in his big blue jacked up F150 listening to AC/DC, Metallica, and Guns N’ Roses. We shared a few hobbies, hunting however wasn’t one of them. You loved to torture me, leaving the truck bed open to see your favorite 8 point trophies on display. I did however love watching you and your team take laps around NRV Speedway. First on race day baby!

You loved NASCAR. So do I. You loved the Redskins. So do I. You loved the Hokies. So do I. You loved classic rock. So do I. You loved our country and the men and women who have selflessly served with you. So do I. You loved God. So do I.

After graduating from Giles High School, I watched you go after your dreams, following in Dad’s footsteps, serving in the Navy. 12 years. Three deployments. You carried those stars and stripes with great pride.

In 2016, you packed up and moved down to Alabama where we could finally be a little closer. Closing one chapter and starting another, we continued the Sisler legacy together.

It was us, doing this life together. We shared a lifetime of memories Allen, and those I will cherish forever. You were one-of-a-kind, leaving your mark with family and friends, everywhere you went and with every word spoken.

As I close my eyes, I see you up there, your arms wrapped around Mom and Dad, with the biggest smile on your face and that sweet little twinkle in your eyes.

Now It’s time to get you back home to the mountains of Virginia, to God’s Country, to lay you to rest.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Oak View Christian Church, 1649 Spruce Run Road, Newport, Virginia, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m., where Military Honors will be presented by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Posts 68, 311, and 415. He will later be laid to rest with our mom and dad at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia Courthouse.

Thank you all for your love and support. And most of all, thank you for loving Allen! ❤️

I love you A-Sis.
Team Sis.
Forever…

11/08/2024

Y'all always ask me what it's like to be an ESPN sideline reporter. Let me tell you, it's a whirlwind! 🌪️

From the early morning prep to the late-night wrap-up, it's a busy life. But it's a life I wouldn't trade for the world. I get to travel the country, meet incredible athletes, and witness history in the making. It's a dream come true.

Being an ESPN sideline reporter takes hard work, long hours, and a whole lot of passion. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

11/01/2024

“No man, you gotta keep going. What are you gonna do, quit? That’s not an option. You gotta keep on keepin’ on. Life’s a garden, dig it and you make it work for you. You never give up man, that’s my philosophy.”
—Joe Dirt

Thankful I could delay my CFB travel so I could be home to trick or treat with our little dude. I’ve gotta get back on the road, however, I think Mason’s mullet might stick around for a little while.🤣

Hope y’all had a Happy Halloween!! 🎃👻

10/30/2024

Hey y’all! Ever wondered about my sideline shimmy? Well, it’s more than just dance moves. That nervous knot in my stomach when I'm about to step onto the field or into the spotlight is like no other. Instead of letting it hold me back, I choose to shake it off with a little shimmy. It's my way of saying, "I'm ready to take on the world! Let's goooooo!!" 💪 So next time you're feeling nervous, remember: a little dance or body movement can go a long way. Let's shake off those worries and embrace the moment! 💃

10/23/2024

Last week, I had the incredible honor of being the keynote speaker and panel moderator at the FOCUS rally! We dove into conversations about the tough but important topics of drug use prevention, mental health, and making positive choices. I was so inspired by the students and educators who are leaning in, having these conversations, and working toward a brighter, healthier future. The energy in the room was undeniable, and I’m grateful to Sue Jones for the opportunity to share my story and hear theirs. 💙

10/21/2024

After a wild weekend of travel, we made it to Lubbock for Mason’s 2nd football game! 🏈 My little MVP is already perfecting his sideline shimmy, and Auntie joined the fun too. Between the laughs, snacks, and Mason’s dance moves, we turned a chaotic weekend into unforgettable memories!