Duarte featured for the MoCo Jrs. 16 Adidas team that ended up in ninth place with one win and four losses. Capable of playing as a setter and a right side hitter, she stood out offensively, being among her team’s top scoring options. Duarte got off the floor very well and showed excellent vision to put the ball down with well-angled swings. She made contact with the ball at a very high point and was able to hit it in different directions, proving very hard to stop when she hit at a sharp angle. She was consistent offensively and had success in her actions in moments of pressure.

Lauren is currently an unranked prospect in the 2028 Class according to our Prep Dig Texas State Rankings.  She plays volleyball at Grand Oaks High School and club for the TAV Houston program.  Miss Duarte is a great addition to any roster as she can pull double duties as a setter and an opposite attacker.  By having someone her height that can be versatile at both positions, it saves a coach substitutions and keeps some continuity in the offensive flow.  By being a taller setter, Lauren is able to save a lot of balls that are tight to the net.  As far as her hands are concerned, they are very soft and the ball floats out of them really nicely.  As an attacker, she is able to add some pace on her attack by using her entire body at the point of contact.  I am eager to watch her in action at the Expo to see how she interacts with her hitters and if she can stay aggressive throughout the entire two hours.  Stay tuned as we report back about her.