Lauren’s ability to play fast, high and hard at this size makes her one of the most nationally recruitable middles in Indiana in quite some time. Big and physical, she’s a tough out when hitting against her. Attacking with length at her max jump, Lauren’s ability to go over blocks changes opposing defenses and keeps them on their heels. Yes, she’s 6’4”, so a legitimate high-end recruit because of her size alone. However, all of the skill that she brings to her position and to her team is unmatched in this class, which is why I rate her so high.

Let’s start with the obvious—-she’s 6’4”. No other player in the entirety of our ‘29 rankings has that kind of size (that I know of, at least). Now, add superior training, good foot movement, the ability to use her size to her advantage and a constant competitive motor, and you have a future D1 middle in LaPorte, Indiana. She has the tools, she has the athleticism, and she has the means to get better. All that she needs now is time in the gym to show off and show out.

Lauren’s best skill is not knowing what her best skill might truly be right now. She plays so hard and becomes a jack of all trades essentially due to this fact. Lauren is tall, long, athletic, enthusiastic about the game, and very fearless. She isn’t afraid to meet anyone at the net, has the ability and awareness to get her hands to press and contest. She has good footwork and is athletic enough to swing side to side consistently. Lauren also has the power to attack; her approach is good, and she swings with force and control. She has a bright future and has just begun to understand that her best is yet to come.

Kirk is a big force at the net. She played varsity this year as a freshman and used her size to make a splash. Heading into club season she looks like she will be a problem for opposing teams. Kirk’s 6ft 4 frame is used very well when blocking at the net. Other teams must hit around her otherwise it’s a block. Does a nice job adjusting to sets and putting down kills as well. She is a force.

Lauren’s size can be intimidating, but what she does with that size is impressive. Her 145 blocks on the season surpasses even the committed D1-bound seniors in 4A, which says a lot about her (and La Porte’s) future. As a part of 1st Alliance, she’ll be among the best of the best regularly, both on her side of the court and her opponents, and will be able to get the training that not enough bigs in Indiana receive.