Tag: football

Prepstar Featured athlete – Jenna Layton 

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Jenna Layton. The outstanding volleyball athlete was a 2024 Sports360AZ All-Academic Girls Volleyball (4A-6A) selection as a libero and defensive specialist. On the court she brings a high level of intensity, court awareness, and leadership to the Walden Grove High School team. Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about preparation for the coming season and some memorable moments.

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete

Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights

Twitter/X: ​​@jenna_layton7

What are your goals after high school?

My goals for after high school is to play collegiate volleyball and to study sports medicine. I plan on getting my doctorate in athletic training and major in kinesiology. 

Who or what inspires you to keep working hard?

What inspires me to continue to work hard is the mindset to be the best me in anything that I do, if that’s in volleyball or in my schooling or even as a person. I want to strive to continue to be better in areas that I’m already good in and to get better in the areas that I struggle. 

What’s one skill you’re working on this season?

One skill I would like to work on this season is my serve receive and getting it down to a tea. I realize within myself that it’s an area of performance that I know I need to try and perfect. 

What’s been your biggest accomplishment in your athletic career?

My biggest accomplishment in my athletic career would be making varsity as a sophomore or winning our preseason tournament leading into my junior high school season. 

How do you handle pressure or adversity?

How I handle pressure or adversity is by trying to forget the point before. If I mess up I forget about it and not let it dwell my performance the rest of the game. I also try to make sure I’m having fun when I play to help limit the pressure I feel. 

What do you want to be remembered for as an athlete?

What I would like to be remembered for as an athlete is not only my performance but how I am as a teammate and being able to run the back row when I play. I want to be known as the teammate that lifts everyone up and brings the energy to the court. 

If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

If I could play any other sport it would be softball. I grew up in a softball/baseball family and I do have interest in it. I also played softball when I was younger and was pretty good. 

What’s your pre-game hype song?

Honestly I don’t have a specific song. I think any song that brings up the energy and gets me into the mood. Preferably Drake, 21 Savage or Kendrick. 

Who’s your favorite pro athlete and why?

My favorite pro athlete would be Lexi Rodriguez or Justine Wong Orantes. They control the court so well and play so calmly in tough situations. 

Favorite game-day snack?

My favorite pre game snack would be cheddar goldfish. I always have some in my volleyball bag for before or between games.

The PrepStar featured athlete

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

The PrepStar featured athlete for this week is Adam Diaz.  Ranked among the top snappers in the state of Arizona placing 1st place top score at the 2025 Kohl’s Kicking Western Showcase with average snap times of .72 seconds!  Diaz also 1st place AZ Kicking Upperclassmen Combine 2025 for long snappers. Overall, Adam is ranked 35th in the county class of 2026 with a 4.5 star rating. Additionally, he was selected 1st Team All Region 6A Fiesta after the 2024 season. Recently, I caught up with the rising Senior about preparation for the coming season and some memorable moments.

Metrics : Ht: 5’10”, Wt: 220 

Academics : GPA 3.66  

Link to recruit profile: PrepStar 360 Athlete

Link to Hudl: 2024 Season Highlights

Twitter/X: ​​@Diazaj2000

Are you hoping to compete at the next level?

Yes, I am looking forward to competing at college. Since a young age it has been my goal.

What are your academic goals in college (college major)?

I don’t have a specific major picked yet but I think I’m leaning towards engineering. 

What’s the best part of being a student-athlete?

I think the best part of being a student athlete is that it keeps you busy.

What made you start playing your sport?

I started playing it when I was younger and just liked it the more I played

What has been your most unforgettable sports moment?

My most memorable moment was winning the championship the last year of youth football

What’s one thing fans may not know about you?

Fans may not know that I like being a long snapper. I love it! 

Who’s your biggest supporter?

My dad is definitely my biggest supporter. He has been with me for literally every step of my football journey. 

What song gets you pumped up before a game?

I don’t necessarily have a favorite song, it’s more of a genre like indie pop.

Keys to Connecting with College Coaches: 5 Tips for High School Athletes

Posted on by eliteathletesrecruiting

How High School Athletes Can Successfully Connect with College Coaches

The recruiting process can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to stand out and make real connections with college coaches. If you’re a student-athlete looking to take the next step in your athletic and academic journey, here are five essential tips to help you build relationships with college coaches and get noticed.

1. Do Your Homework on Schools

Start by researching colleges that fit your athletic level and academic goals. Look into the team’s performance, coaching staff, facilities, academic support, and overall campus environment. The more you know, the better you can target schools where you’ll be a strong fit—and show genuine interest when you contact coaches.

2. Initiate Contact with Coaches

Don’t wait to be discovered—take the first step. Send a well-written email or direct message introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in their program. Be polite, professional, and personal. Mention specific reasons why you admire the school and team. Follow up with a short phone call or text if appropriate. Coaches appreciate athletes who take initiative.

3. Share Your Recruiting Profile

Make it easy for coaches to evaluate you by including a link to your PrepStar recruit profile in your messages. Your profile should highlight your athletic achievements, stats, GPA, test scores, and a short bio. You can find your profile link by clicking the Settings button on your Scoreboard homepage. A strong, updated profile helps coaches get to know you quickly.

4. Use Social Media the Right Way

Your social media can be a powerful recruiting tool—or a red flag. College coaches often review athletes’ profiles to learn more about their personality and behavior. Post highlights, training clips, and positive content that reflects your work ethic and character. Clean up anything that might raise concerns.

5. Be Consistent and Stay Patient

Recruiting takes time. You might not hear back right away, and that’s okay. Keep training, improving your skills, and staying in touch with coaches. Send updates when you have new highlights or achievements. Persistence shows dedication, and the right opportunity will come with consistent effort.

Final Thought:
Connecting with college coaches is about being proactive, professional, and prepared. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep showing coaches that you’re ready—both on and off the field.