Raines was instrumental in helping her Elevation team win the Big South NQ and secure their 15 Open bid to the upcoming USAV GJNC. She and her team have been increasingly more effective and efficient in different areas of the game as the club season has progressed. One of the best point scoring shots she has been her strong cross body swing down the line through space, one she doesn’t lose much pace behind and that can be highly deceptive and effective.

Raines (*pictured) helped guide her Elevation team to a 5th place finish at the Nike Classic. She is a pin that is not afraid to swing from anywhere on the court, usually with good success given her athleticism, length, and court awareness to move the ball through space. Impressing at the recent Prep Dig Ohio Exposure Tour, she preceded that with a solid effort during the high school season for Kings earning over 200 total kills for an average of 2.5 k/s while picking up nearly seven digs per match.

Looking at my notes from all of the athletes from Saturday, I see the first word for Laura—-“WHOA”. That’s about as accurate as I can be in a first impression of what Miss Raines can do on the volleyball court, and was one of the top performers on Saturday for good reason. Laura’s all-around game is already elite, and she made changes to some of her play within the point being played—-not exactly a skill that’s learned. She scored points in so many ways that it’s hard to focus on her tendencies. With this collection of high-end, open-level skills, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if she’s one of the first to receive offers starting in mid-June of 2027.

There is a reason why Kings head coach Amanda Meadows said she wishes Raines could have played varsity last year. Raines takes solid swings from all six spots on the court. Her back row hitting will be huge for the Knights. Raines makes crisp passes then quickly transitions to offense. Raines added in a sound jump serve to keep Loveland out of rhythm. Raines said a ton of practice and a solid setter are keys to sound hits from the back row.

Raines is a high volume offensive piece for Elevation ‘s top 14U team. As they like to run their offense through a slower and more deliberate tempo up in the air, Raines does a good job of building her momentum and timing to get up and swing at the top of her jump. At 6’0 and touching 9’7, she can beat net defenders by finding space around the block or challenging their hands well. Her game goes to 2023 state champion Kings at the high school level.