20 Nov 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Lou Meadows, the Red Roses (Senior England Women’s Rugby Union) attack coach. They have just become back-to-back WXV Winners and are on an important part of their journey to the 2025 World Cup which will be held in England in August. Lou is also mum to two boys Braydon, eight, and five-year-old Kai who go to Alban City School.
Where do you walk when you want to think?
It has to be by water – Verulamium Park lake is great, otherwise if I can’t get to the sea (which is my favourite) I head to the Aquadrome in Rickmansworth or walk the canal in London. Water calms me instantly, clears my mind of anything unhelpful and provides focus/clarity on what I should be thinking about.
What TV did you watch as a child?
I absolutely loved Warner Brothers Looney Toons – Road Runner and Taz were my favourite with some classic Tom & Jerry thrown in. My grandad looked after me a lot though, so we watched a lot of Westerns which I also enjoyed – lots of horses, cowboy hats and bar brawls.
What’s your favorite meal?
The Italian blood in me means it would definitely be a shared antipasti of burrata cheese with tomatoes, figs and oil, cold meats, olives and some delicious bread. Followed by a tagliata steak and shared pesto pasta.
Were you well behaved at school?
I was always respectful and I believe manners are super important, however, if I was bored or restless…especially from being in a classroom too long, I could become quite cheeky and distracting to others. PE was definitely my favorite lesson, along with drama, art and any subject where we could get outside.
Have you ever had a nickname?
Yes, the majority of people from my playing days know me as “Shoulder”. Unfortunately, not because I used to boom people with my shoulder but because it dislocated a few times.
What superpower would you like to have?
Definitely teleportation so I go anywhere in seconds. I am not a fan of planes or driving so this means I could go to a beach for a few hours before heading to Twickenham for a meeting.
Do you have any phobias? Absolutely terrified of sharks, to the point where I would black out. My kids love taking me to aquariums to test this out!!!
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
I absolutely love Silver Palate – the people are so friendly to me and the boys but also everything tastes amazing – the deli, the sandwiches, the juices, sweet treats and pesto are unreal, and I miss it a lot when I’m away on tour.
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
I would hope that I could last till the end. As an attack coach, you have to outsmart the opposition and find weaknesses so that should help me come up with a good strategy. Then I would gang up with all the England players and staff – I reckon between us we’d have enough physical strength and mental resilience to build a safe house, some weapons and traps, be resourceful and tactically do pretty well at staying alive!
What did you want to be when you grew up? Interestingly I was never sure….what I did know is what I didn’t like – so I didn’t want to be at a desk, nor stuck inside, not keen on wearing suits or smart clothes all the time. I knew I enjoyed challenge, variety and being active so hoped something existed that would match those things… luckily, I put myself in the right places and professional sport is where I am.
