Lauren Barnes was born on May 31, 1989 in Arcadia, California to parents Joyce and Gary Barnes. She attended Upland High School where she quickly made a name for herself as a standout soccer player. She was rated as the number two overall recruit nationwide by RISE Magazine and Soccer Buzz. In addition, she earned the prestigious title of California's Gatorade Player of the Year.
After graduating from high school, Barnes went on to play collegiate soccer at UCLA. She played for the Bruins throughout her entire college career, making a significant impact on the team. During her time at UCLA, she was named to the Soccer America Freshman All-American and Pac-10 All-Freshman Teams. She was also honored as a Third-Team NSCAA All-American during her senior year.
In 2011, Barnes made her senior career debut with the Philadelphia Independence before joining the National Women's Soccer League team OL Reign in 2013. Throughout her professional career, she has also had loan stints with Australian teams Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City, as well as Swedish team Kristianstads DFF. She has been a key player for OL Reign, contributing to their success in winning the NWSL Shield in 2014, 2015, and 2022, as well as The Women's Cup in 2022.
Internationally, Barnes has represented the United States in both the U20 and U23 series. In 2016, she played a crucial role in the United States national team's victory in the SheBelieves Cup.
Off the field, Barnes is known for her dedication to her family and teammates. She has formed strong bonds with her OL Reign teammates, including Emily Sonnett, Alana Cook, and Sofia Huerta. Her parents, Joyce and Gary Barnes, have been a constant source of support and inspiration throughout her soccer career.
Lauren Barnes continues to be a shining example of dedication, skill, and passion in the world of women's soccer. Her hard work and talent have earned her numerous accolades, and her contributions to OL Reign and the United States national team have solidified her status as a top defender in the sport.