Fort Bend Christian Academy freshman middle blocker Bayleigh Minor
Bayleigh Minor's track and field accolades are well-documented. Ten-time All-American. AAU Junior Olympics champion in the 400 meters.
And she's barely started high school.
But while the Fort Bend Christian Academy freshman is a sure bet to follow in the decorated footsteps of dad Deon, an All-American at Baylor and two-time World Championships gold medalist, and mom Claudia, an All-American at Rice in the triple jump, Minor is proving she is not just a one-sport dynamo.
She's quite the volleyball player as well.
"I don't think there's anybody in the city of Houston who matches her athleticism," FBCA coach Alex Edwards said. "When I say she's a stud, she's a stud, and she has no idea how good she is."
Minor is third on the 29-3 and undefeated district champion Eagles in kills (191), boasts a 43.1 kill percentage, and is first on the team in total blocks with 44.
Edwards said Minor is a natural athlete. Minor said jumping and blocking come easily to her. All of that is no surprise. What is a surprise is that Minor only started playing volleyball last year.
"It was an extra school sport to do," Minor said. "I remember trying out because my friend tried out. I just started liking it."
Edwards knew Minor would come in as a freshman and make an immediate impact. Minor, however, initially didn't think so.
"I expected to make a little bit of an impact, but not a huge one," Minor said. "It's a different change from eighth grade to varsity. Stuff like different sets, playing three out of five instead of two out of three. I just have to work harder longer."
Minor said she didn't truly realize how good she is until the Eagles played rival Second Baptist in the first round of district play on Sept. 23. Edwards moved Minor from right side hitter to middle blocker, and Minor thrived.
She compiled seven kills with two blocks as FBCA won, 3-1.
"When she gets on top of that ball, there's no stopping her," Edwards said. "She is going to be a superstar by the time her junior and senior year roll around."
Minor's hitting has improved drastically throughout the season. She is more aware of court angles and when and where to place the ball.
"At first, I wasn't able to hit the ball straight down," Minor said. "My shots were long and out. Now I'm able to hit the ball more downward."
Minor started competing in track in 2016. She plans to compete in the 200, 400 and 800 events this year, along with some relays. Deon is the head track and field coach at FBCA.
Minor doesn't have a favorite between track and field and volleyball, but she has found another sport which to apply her incredible raw talent.
"I see myself doing this all four years," Minor said. "Track helps me in volleyball, so I can move easily and move around the court better and not get tired or lose energy. I'm excited for track season, and I'm excited for volleyball. Coach tells me if I keep practicing and keep growing, I can learn a lot and become a really great player."
