By VYPE Media's Amanda Lattimer
Layla Diaz, a junior at San Marcos High School, is truly a triple threat and a key player on the volleyball team. She has been around the sport since before she could walk. With her mom constantly practicing on the court when she was in college, Layla was always somewhere with a volleyball in hand.
At 13 years old, Diaz upgraded from practicing at the rec to joining a club team. Now in high school, the athlete spends almost all of her free time playing sports. Not only is she involved in volleyball, but she also plays softball and runs track.
The time commitment doesn't faze Diaz because each sport is a piece of her. With volleyball, she's at home. And once she's on the softball field, everything is aggressive and faster paced. When she hits the track, the adrenaline rush of competing against yourself keeps her coming back for more.
"I just don't think that I can picture my life without either one of these sports in it," said Diaz. "I mean, I could try, but I wouldn't be as happy."
As far as volleyball goes, Diaz is really hoping to stick with her goal of leading her team in the most kills, which she's currently doing with 313, but needs to keep it up. With the seniors being super competitive, Diaz said she has to work hard all the time in order to complete that goal.
Ever since Diaz was a freshman, the seniors have always been a key part of her volleyball career. She said they have given her knowledge and tips on what to do before and after each game, as well as insight on everything they have been through. Coach Nichols, one of Diaz's volleyball coaches, is another woman that has continued to push Diaz to be the best she can be.
"She has been the hardest on me and always has pushed through to me," Diaz said. "She finds ways to get through to me that no other coach could."
It's no secret that Diaz has a lot of compassion for her team. As a new upperclassman, Diaz explains what she wants underclassman to know while playing the court.
"It takes hard work and it takes time," Diaz said. "There are no breaks and no offseason. It is grind time all the time."
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