Aya Abdeen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Ridge High School for AZPreps365.com

Natalie Lorenzo, a 5 foot, 10 inch outside hitter, is the only freshman to make the Desert Ridge Jaguars' volleyball team this year.

Yet, she leads the team in kills per set with 3.1, total kills with 266, serving aces with 37, and receptions with 416.

For as much success as Lorenzo is experiencing right now, it has been building throughout her life. It started when Natalie began her volleyball career at 7 years old when she played at the recreational level for National Youth Sports. 

At the age of 9, Lorenzo played club ball, training with Arizona Storm Elite Volleyball Club since 2018. 

When she was 13, Lorenzo played for her club team and finished in fifth place in the nation during the 2021 USA Volleyball Nationals in Las Vegas.

Lorenzo’s older sister, Caprice, plays Division I beach volleyball for the University of Hawaii in Manoa after playing four years of high school volleyball and beach volleyball at Desert Ridge before graduating in May.

Though they don’t come from a “volleyball family” per se, Lorenzo’s mother, Carol Lorenzo, recalls how the game became a family affair. 

“Natalie practiced around the house with Caprice when she was younger, and that helped develop Natalie’s skills too,” Carol Lorenzo said. “Their father, Mike, practiced with both of them when they were younger at home to help them learn how to serve and pass the ball.”

Natalie said Caprice, “taught me how to work hard and always give my all.”

Natalie also had experience playing beach volleyball and participated in national beach tournaments at the USA Volleyball Beach Nationals two years ago, earning a third-place finish in a tournament for 12 year olds.

Natalie’s impressive resume includes a third-place finish at the AAU Junior Olympics and a fifth-place finish in the nation during the AAU Beach National Championships in Chula Vista, California.

Another stat about Natalie’s dominant season is her leadership skills and the mentality to win.

“Natalie brings a lot to our team as she’s already experienced as a freshman,” said Desert Ridge volleyball head coach Randi Eaton. “She’s the kind of person many players look forward to seeing out there.”

Eaton said Natalie is a leader on the floor, helping bring a good volleyball mentality. 

“With the help of the other girls, she’s able to work as hard as she can,” Eaton said.

Natalie’s bubbly personality shines through the Jaguars varsity volleyball team in their impressive season.

“Natalie is like a person you go to make you smile,” said Reese Grochowski, a senior libero and defensive specialist for Desert Ridge, adding that Natalie is a “killer” on the court.

Natalie said that learning the game of volleyball is “really mental.” She often gives advice to the young players on being confident.

“If you believe in yourself, you’ll do good,” Natalie said. “You always have to have confidence and play hard and believe in yourself.”