Brooklyn Zevenbergen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Notre Dame Prep High School for AZPreps365.com.

SCOTTSDALE — For Notre Dame Prep senior and team captain Lauren Watson, volleyball has always been more than a sport. It’s been a lifelong passion built on competition, connection and consistency. 

From learning to pass a ball at age 6 to committing to play Division 1 beach volleyball at the University of North Florida, Watson’s journey has been one full of growth and leadership.

She has been one of the Saints’ most dependable players this season, ranking second on the team in both kills (179 overall, 3.2 per set) and digs per set (3.1), while leading in aces (32) and aces per set (0.6). 

Watson’ dedication to the sport started when her older sister first introduced her to the game.

“What made me fall in love with the game is I’ve always been really competitive,” Watson said, “I just like the drive to win.” 

Watson began her career indoors before transitioning to beach volleyball in middle school, where she found her passion as a versatile player who could use all her skills. That versatility helped her become a crucial part of Notre Dame Prep’s post season successes, but it also shaped her leadership style.

“Being a leader means I want to give 100 percent effort for my team every single game, on and off the court,” Watson said. “I just want to be there for my teammates in every way they need me.”

Her leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed by those around her. Senior teammate Cassidy Graninger described Watson as a steadying presence who sets the tone for the entire team.

“She’s one of my best friends and is nice on the court,” Graninger said. “She doesn’t stress you out. She helps calm everyone down. It makes a big difference.”

Watson’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. During the height of her recruiting process, she was in a serious car crash that left her with a concussion and temporary mobility issues. Despite the setback, North Florida stood by her, a sign of the program’s belief in her potential, she said.

“A lot of coaches wanted to wait, but North Florida didn’t do that to me,” Watson said, “They took me regardless.”

Her father, Steve, said the commitment validated years of hard work and perseverance.

“I’m just really proud of the young lady she’s become,” Steve Watson said. “She gets up at 5 in the morning, hits the gym and doesn’t stop until eight at night, sometimes later. She’s got a great work ethic. The University of North Florida really validated her hard work with a great scholarship.”

Notre Dame Prep head coach Ali Svorinic said Watson’s growth as both a player and a leader has been remarkable to watch.

“Her confidence and awareness have continued to grow since she joined the program,” Svorinic said. “She just brings that ‘something’ to the floor. People love to play around her. It really just keeps our team engaged and going hard. They really feed off the energy she puts out.”

Now in her final high school season, Watson has reached multiple milestones, including 1,000 career digs, a goal she set as a freshman. As she prepares to graduate and move on to the next level, she said she’ll miss one thing most about NDP.

“This group of girls is so special,” Watson said.