She was the first woman to win a national title in any sport for the University of North Carolina,[3] as well as being the first female All-American[4] at the school.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Laura became acquainted with tennis by practicing on the city's public courts.

In her adolescent years, DuPont moved to North Carolina, where she showed promise competing in junior tennis championships.

DuPont attended the University of North Carolina where three times she was named Mid-Atlantic Singles Collegiate Champion.

From 1975 to 1981, she was on the Women's Tennis Association board, serving in the roles of vice president and treasurer.