Selectors this week named the 15-year-old in their Victoria White squad for the under 17 titles in Canberra during September and October.

Victoria White is a development squad made up of players overlooked for Victoria Blue. 

The two will take on rivals from across the country.

Lauryn, who won a bronze medal representing Victoria at under 16 level last year, said she was rapt to be bound for nationals.

She learnt of her selection via the Volleyball Victoria website while finishing recess at Emmanuel College on Wednesday morning.

“There was a bit of a squeal and a few hugs going around,” she said.

Lauryn said her nationals debut last year had improved her as a player, with the experience fuelling her passion for the sport.

“Since I came back from Adelaide, I’ve improved a lot all-round. My passing has definitely got a lot better and I’ve become a smarter player,” she said.

She was keen to test herself against the best in the country again 12 months on. Selection trials had already given her an insight of the standard required.

“It’s a lot harder training than I’m used to back here in Warrnambool but it definitely pushes you and helps you grow as a player,” she said.

“And the tournament, you meet so many new people. You’re keen to come back to Warrnambool and show off what you’ve learnt.”

Volleyball has been Lauryn’s sporting priority for the past five years. She hits the court at the Arc on Tuesday nights, with training on top of that.

She backed Victoria White to perform well at nationals. “From the looks of it, all the girls are good players. We definitely have a shot at a medal,” she said.

Long term, Lauryn said she wanted to take her volleyball as far as possible. The prospect of playing in the United States college system looms large.

“I really want to keep going with the state team. Next year I’ll be trying out for the 19s and hopefully I get into that,” she said.

“And maybe get a scholarship with volleyball to the US. That’s a while away yet.”