Jessica Layton '22 Recruiting Profile

Athletics have always been a very important part of my life. Ever since I was young, I have loved the challenge that competitive sports provided. I believe that playing sports has helped me both physically and academically. It has taught me the discipline and teamwork that have helped me in the classroom and on the volleyball court.

I played multiple sports growing up, but when I found volleyball it was clear to me that this was my passion. My family jokes that it was in my DNA, as my mother played volleyball in college, like I now strive to do. My mother continues to play to this day, and we have been able to play in adult leagues and beach doubles tournaments together.  I have been fortunate enough to play on my club's (Sportime VBC) top team for the past 4 years, and I feel that my coaches have helped me improve as a player and a teammate each year.

I work very hard to be a well-rounded student, athlete and person. In school I currently take 3 AP classes, 2 honors classes and one college level class. In the volleyball off season I train in Crossfit, which has helped my physical strength and endurance. In the summer I play in beach doubles volleyball tournaments, where I have qualified for Beach Junior Nationals the past 4 years.  I feel that playing beach has helped develop my quickness and overall volleyball skills. Additionally, I am a member or officer of numerous school clubs designed to improve the overall high school experience. I also serve as a volunteer with the Special Olympics. Being involved in so many things is often a challenge, but it is also very rewarding and has helped me learn how to budget my time. 

All of these experiences have taught me that in life you need to be willing to work as hard as is necessary to achieve your goals. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. My primary goal at this point is to succeed in a college that will challenge me and help me grow- on the volleyball court, in the classroom and as a person... and as always, I will work as hard as I need to in order to achieve that goal.