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Photo from Layla Diaz's parents.
San Marcos Triple Threat Follows Mom's Footsteps On Volleyball Court
Oct 18, 2019
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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Locker Talk ATX/SATX: Gilbert Tuhabonye Interview + Week 3 Pick 'Em & Area Sports Recap
Sep 11, 2019
VYPE editor Thomas Bingham and Hill Country Indoor sports director Evan Beyer continue their 2019-2020 sports coverage with the sixth Locker Talk Austin/San Antonio episode. The show includes VYPE's exclusive interview with longtime Austin St. Andrew's Episcopal School cross country and track coach Gilbert Tuhabonye, who discussed his vast success as a runner and coach, how he's used his running platform to provide water to his home country of Burundi, what's expected from his team during the 2019 high school cross country season, the uniqueness of the annual SAS Invitational cross country meet and more.
The hosts also recap a memorable Texas high school football Week 2 and the weekend's SAS Invitational event, participate in their weekly pick 'em and mention the Dallas Cowboys' hot start to the NFL season.
Correction: Converse Judson's largest lead against San Antonio Wagner was 45-0, not 42-0.
VYPE Locker Talk ATX/SATX Episode 6 (Click the box below to watch the show.)
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPEATX/@VYPESATX) on Twitter.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.