Ella Layzell '24 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Ella Layzell, I am a 6' ft tall competitive beach volleyball athlete aspiring to play at the next level while earning a Bachelor of Science degree. I live in western Canada but was born in Naperville IL.  My mother was a fitness professional and my father was a former Division 1 full scholarship athlete who went on to play professionally and internationally for Team Canada.  They have both encouraged me to play as many sports as possible growing up and instilled the principles of hard work, being a great teammate, being coachable, keeping my emotions in check, and to be focused on team success.   

I play a variety of sports throughout the year depending on the season, however my passion and path forward is with beach volleyball - I absolutely love the sport, the culture, playing outside in the elements, and having to play through whatever situation without relying on any one else other than my teammate and I to get through it together.     

As a player I would say that I'm more driven than motivated, I don't get too caught up in the highs or the lows, just try to stay focused on the task at hand and developing into a better player every day.  I do seem to play best with partners that are similar; low maintenance, low drama, winning and losing together and just enjoy working hard, competing for every ball, and taking on what ever challenge we are faced with. 

Academically I have always taken my classes and grades seriously.  I have been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA and had the honour of being named Athlete of the year two years in a row (2021-2022) at my high school, competing in volleyball, basketball, badminton, and track and field.  Our school has 1300 students in Grades 10, 11, and 12, so it's fairly competitive athletically and academically.  

Last summer, in my second year playing beach volleyball, I was invited to try out for the Provincial beach volleyball team.  I made the team, improved a ton with former TCU Beach Volleyball coach Erik Peterson, finishing in the top 10 at Nationals with my partner at the U16 division.   Even though I live in Canada, I am extremely fortunate to work. with some amazing coaches, this fall I will be training with Coach Erik 3 days a week at an indoor beach volleyball facility, and am currently training 3 days a week with a former 5-time Olympian Lascelles "King" Brown - Bobsled.  From a nutrition side I'm working with former Olympian Arianne Jones, and have just started working with Matt Brown for mindset training.  

Being a multisport athlete, I may not be as experienced as many of the top recruits that have only been playing beach volleyball, however, I see that as an advantage as I have a lot more upside potential to come over the next four years.    

As a 2024 grad, I am open to playing at any school that provides an opportunity to get great coaching, to be part of a team, to develop as an athlete, a student, and as a person.  Given the opportunity, I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the school's success, both on and off the court. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement and for considering me for your program.  Please let me know if you would like to set up a time to talk together or if you would like any references about my game, academics, character, attitude or work ethic. 

Sincerely, 

Ella Layzell