Lower Merion’s Laila Newborn is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The senior middle blocker is a key reason the Aces are off to a fine start (6-0 as of Sept. 20), and currently holds LM records for blocks in a season and in a game and has a hitting percentage of .625 (as of Sept. 20). Last fall, she was a second team All-Main Line selection as the Aces posted a 10-2 record, and as a sophomore was second team All-Central League and all-District 1 honorable mention. Lower Merion head coach Lauren Perri said, “Laila is the definition of a clutch player who will always ensure she is earning the point for us when we need it most. She has been one of the best blockers in the state the last two years, and is a notoriously smart player that is also capable of ripping the ball.” Off the court at Lower Merion, she is Co-President of LM’s Black Student Union.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the past summer? What are you hoping to achieve this fall?
A: Throughout the summer, I worked on my hitting form and consistency with terminating the ball the most. I also did a lot of weight training and vertical work at the gym to improve my overall strength. This fall, I’m hoping to achieve another successful season while being a leader on and off the court. I’m also hoping to clinch Lower Merion’s first Central League volleyball title and make it all the way to win States.
Q: Have you always been a middle hitter/middle blocker? What sparked your original interest in volleyball?
A: I have always been a middle hitter/middle blocker. When I first started club in the 7th grade, I was disappointed that I wasn’t picked to be the libero – but I eventually grew to love and excel at my position. My interest was sparked when going to my older cousin’s Lower Merion volleyball games. Whenever I watched them play, I noticed the intensity, the passion and the loud cheering.
Q: Who have been your biggest volleyball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?
A: My biggest volleyball mentors have definitely been my coaches Dan and Lauren Perri, and my club coach Chang Han. From Coach Dan, I learned all about blocking, its timing, and the mechanics behind it. He taught me that in order to be effective when blocking, I should always be able to see my hands. From Coach Lauren, I learned how to pick apart the spots of the opposing team’s defense and smart ways to get kills with both force and finesse. From Coach Chang, I learned better form, mechanics, getting around the team’s blocks, and to have the confidence to go for big kills when they’re open. I am thankful for my coaches and I remind myself of their lessons constantly through every game and practice.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you currently working on the most?
A: I think the strongest part of my game is my passion for the team’s success and my aggressiveness on the court. As one of the leaders of the team, I always want my teammates to know that they are supported and how important they are to the team’s success. I always cheer for my teammates as loud as I can – at the expense of my voice. Skill-wise, I think my biggest strengths are my court vision and blocking. I am currently working on becoming a more well-rounded player by playing in positions besides middle blocker/hitter. It can be very challenging due to the difference of speed when hitting from different positions and reading the ball on back row defense. Although this challenges me to be better, it also makes me appreciate my teammates more and how hard their jobs are.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 1 – why did you pick this number?
A: As a freshman I wore No. 11, but lost all three No. 11 jerseys after my freshman year! Since I had to find a new number, I thought No. 1 was close to No. 11 and decided to keep the number because I had a good season with that number.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation on the day of a game.
A: My game day preparation typically starts the night before. I usually watch anime, hydrate, and have a spa night so that I can be relaxed and well rested. I always make sure I eat a good breakfast and lunch. Also, I watch film of my opponents to prepare and listen to loud music to get me pumped up.
Q: What is your favorite course at Lower Merion? What do you think you’d like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly appeals to you?
A: My favorite course at the moment is my AP Statistics class. In college, I would like to major in Sports Medicine and eventually become an athletic trainer for a professional team. Also, I would like to continue my volleyball career and coach after college.
Fun facts – Laila Newborn
Favorite book: The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas.
Favorite TV show: Naruto Shippuden.
Favorite movie: Horton Hears a Who.
Favorite athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Miss the Rage by Trippe Redd and Playboi Carti.
Favorite team: Philadelphia 76ers.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chipotle chicken bowl.
Person I most admire, and why: “The person I admire the most is definitely my mom. She puts so much time, money and effort into me and my volleyball career. No matter the distance, she makes sure I get to every practice, tournament, volleyball event, and she’s at every single game! I don’t know where I would be without her love and support through every step I make!”
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
