Hamilton Southeastern (Fishers, Ind.) volleyball star Lauren Harden was named MaxPreps National Player of the Year on Friday during a presentation at the Indianapolis area school.
“It is a great honor and accomplishment to be named MaxPreps National Player of the Year,” Harden said. “This is a very special award and especially because it is a national award. I am grateful for this recognition.”
Hamilton Southeastern Gymnasium was packed Friday as the boys basketball team hosted rival Fishers in the annual Mudsock Game.
Hamilton Southeastern’s Lauren Harden stands in front of her team after being honored as the MaxPreps National Volleyball Player of the Year. The Royals, who won their second straight Indiana 4A state title, were lauded in a ceremony held during halftime of the boys basketball game. (Photo: Julie Brown)
Royals faithful applauded Florida’s commitment as MaxPreps was on hand at the ceremony that also honored the HSE volleyball team, which won its second straight Class 4A title and finished 33-0.
HSE finished the season with a 67-game winning streak and a third-place finish in the final MaxPreps Top 25 rankings.
Harden, who finished the season with 371 kills, said the ceremony was something she will remember for the rest of her life.
“It was crazy,” she said. “My athletic director reviewed the schedule and told me I would finally be honored. It was amazing to hear the feedback from the public. It was also great to see the support from Fishers, our district school as well.”
She said she also made eye contact with her parents, Lawrence and Christy, during the ceremony and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for them.
The 6-foot-3 outside hitter said she has been inundated with congratulations since being named Player of the Year. She now heads to Gainesville, Fla., as a multi-year MaxPreps All-American, finishing her career with over 1,000 kills.
“I’m excited for next year,” she said. “If you told me (at the beginning of high school) that I would be the MaxPreps National Player of the Year, I would have said you were crazy. I have grown and developed so much over the past four years through school and club.” “.
Hamilton Southeastern volleyball coach poses with Lauren Harden while presenting the MaxPreps National Volleyball Player of the Year award on Friday. (Photo: Julie Brown)
Lauren Harden poses with the Royals mascot during a halftime ceremony of a boys basketball game. (Photo: Julie Brown)