At just 15 years old, Kyla Hurley is already making waves as a freshman at Penn High School, where she excels as a Defensive Specialist and Libero for the Kingsmen volleyball team. Hurley’s journey in the sport began at the tender age of 10, and since then, she has dedicated herself to mastering the intricate skills for her position. From out-of-system setting, digging balls with accuracy to the setter, and demanding the court to serve, Hurley has had to work at it all.
During the offseason, Hurley honed her talents at the prestigious Munciana Club in Muncie, Indiana, where she competed at an elite level. This experience not only sharpened these abilities previously mentioned but also helped sharpen and reiterate the importance of mental resilience in the face of challenges. Balancing academics and athletics both of which at high levels has been no small feat, but Hurley’s determination to succeed is out of the gym as she looks to play at a higher level.
Hurley’s motivation stems from a deep-rooted passion for the game and a desire to push her limits. Every practice, and match is an opportunity to prove herself and show off her capabilities approaching both of which with fierce determination and drive.
Coming into a program so honed in on family Hurley is inspired by her teammates and the leaders that have come before her time.
“It has been super cool to see the success of players coming out of Penn. Most players who want to play in college do, and credit their success to the values and standards that Penn holds you to,” said the freshman standout star.
Playing for her team means absolutely everything to her. Win, or loss, sun or rain each has a lesson to teach, and value to shape.
“I play for my teammates,” Hurley says, emphasizing that their support and shared goals are what keeps her dialed in during those high-stress situations. Hurley is committed to being the best version of herself.
Throughout triumphs, and defeats Hurley has had to question her why. Why does she play? What does she hope to accomplish through the sport? These introspective questions have become crucial in her journey. Initially, for Hurley, it was seeing the immense success & thrill of volleyball players that was her “why,” but as she has grown older, and experienced more things she quickly realized that it was so much more than this. Setbacks and heartbreaks are part of the game.
“Growth is not linear,” said Hurley who often reminds herself this in times of distress.
Deep thinking has allowed her to understand that her true passion for playing was not for winning, but the bonds and relations she forms while playing. She plays for the shared experience, those tight-knit games when you want to hype yourself & team up, those tough moments where odds might not be in your favor. All she knows is that she strives with her team for collective success. “I want to be that player that my teammates can rely on in crucial moments,” said Hurley.
This deep thinking has also allowed her to reflect on the fact that her role is not only to gain individual achievements but to foster and grow a positive team culture.
For now, Hurley strives to work with her team to be standing on that podium one day and holding that “State Champions” plaque. Ultimately, these moments are what grows her as a person both mentally, and physically. Hurley also aims to play at the next level in hopes she gets recruited, but for now, she aims to be the best she can for the Kingsmen as she steps into her crucial role nearing the postseason.
