West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini laughs during an assembly recognizing her as the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini (left) walks to an assembly with Olympic silver medalist April Ross, who awarded Carlini the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year on Tuesday. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

Olympic silver medalist April Ross and other representatives from Gatorade and the Carlini family walk down the hallway at West Aurora as they prepare to surprise Lauren Carlini with the award for Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian P

West Aurora volleyball standout Lauren Carlini reacts as her family and friends surprise her at school after she was awarded the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini was named the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

Volleyball standout Lauren Carlini is awarded the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year trophy by Olympic silver medalist and former award winner April Ross in class at West Aurora High School Tuesday morning. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini's family, (from left) father Tony, mother Gale and sister Alyssa applaud during an assembly honoring Lauren Carlini as the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora volleyball standout Lauren Carlini speaks at an assembly honoring her as the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora volleyball standout Lauren Carlini (right) sits next to Olympic silver medalist April Ross during an assembly honoring Carlini as the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini hugs her dad, Tony, after being named the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora volleyball star Lauren Carlini warms up with Olympic silver medalist April Ross for a video shoot to go along with her being awarded as the Gatorade National Volleyball Player of the Year. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora's Lauren Carlini sets the ball to Olympic silver medalist April Ross during a video shoot Tuesday at West High. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini and Olympic silver medalist April Ross high five during a practice for a video shoot Tuesday at West High. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini puts on April Ross's silver medal Tuesday at West High. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora senior Lauren Carlini poses with Olympic silver medalist April Ross. | Brian Powers~Sun-Times Media

West Aurora's Laura Carlini spikes the ball against Naperville Central during a Sept. 6 match. | Donnell Collins~For Sun-Times Media