Coach Sullivan makes her second roster addition of the week, this time through the transfer portal. The Tigers added Utah State middle blocker Lauren Larkin.
She spent her first two years with the Aggies, leading the team with 100 blocks in 2024. She was a weapon in the offensive rhythm as well, averaging 1.27 kills per set while hitting .408. Larkin’s biggest
moment came in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Tennessee, racking up eight kills, two blocks and three digs.
The middle blocker is originally from St. George, Utah, playing at Desert Hills High School. She was voted to the 2023 AVCA Girls High School All-Region team while earning First-Team All-State honors thanks to .484 hitting clip and logging 2.1 blocks per match.
With the graduate departures of starting middle blockers Tyrah Ariail and Regan Haith, Larking has the opportunity to make a big impact from Day 1 with the Tigers. She alongside Ainoah Cruz bring immediate production through the transfer portal.
This sort of experience is desperately needed for a Mizzou roster that is filled to the brim with underclassmen. Hopefully Larkin’s steadfast nature can help anchor the Tigers’ defense at the net alongside the size of setter Nina Mandovic. While the Tigers are likely done adding to the team, you never know what tricks Coach Sullivan may be hiding up her sleeve.
