Alyla Parker is a senior who was born on January 8, 2008. She started playing volleyball in 8th grade for McLoughlin. Alyla didn’t actually want to play volleyball at first, but she then started playing volleyball because her friend had convinced her to join. So, now at the age of 17, she is a varsity player for the Pasco High volleyball team. She plays middle and wears jersey number 18. 

Alyla does play middle, but is there another position she would like to play? 

“For a little bit, I was a setter. But if any position I would play besides middle, I would probably go to outside.” 

How does she train outside of practice? 

“Sometimes just at my house, I have a ball and set against the wall. Sometimes I work on my blocking. Jumping too, I do plyometrics and stuff.” 

What are her goals for the season? 

“I really hope to win against Sageview again, and to get more blocks this season.” 

What is the most challenging thing for Alyla? 

“One of the most challenging things for me, and I guess I’d say my group overall, is mindset. Just going into the game with a positive mindset and being able to pull yourself out of a difficult mindset.” 

How does she deal with loss? 

“Me personally, I’m okay with loss because I’m able to reflect on the stuff that I did well earlier, and loss this year isn’t as hard for me because we’re doing better even though we have lost.” 

How does she feel after a win? How does she celebrate? 

“After a win, I feel really accomplished because it has been so long since we have had a win. But I feel extremely proud of the team and myself for the work we’ve put through. For celebrating I have fun, you know.” 

Jordan Lara is Alyla’s coach, but does she believe Alyla deserves to be athlete of the week? “Absolutely. Alyla deserves this recognition because she is a hard worker and a natural leader on our team. Over the past four years, she has poured herself into this sport, earning her place on varsity through dedication and perseverance. She’s not only an impact player in volleyball but also excels in track and field. Her stats reflect the powerhouse she is on the court, and her teammates know that when Alyla is in, she’s going to get the job done.” 

Do Coach Lara believe Alyla deserves the positions she is in?  

“100%”. Alyla has worked incredibly hard to earn her position. She’s committed to improving year-round, putting in the work during the offseason — something not every athlete is willing to do. She studies the game, watches film, and constantly looks for ways to elevate her play and her team.”  

What is something that Lara notices in Alyla that stands her out? 

“Alyla brings a presence that both commands respect and brings calm to the court. She has the ability to lift the team with her energy and passion, while also stepping in as a leader when needed. When I’m coaching another area, she helps guide and coach her teammates — and they listen because they respect her knowledge and leadership.”  

What are some of her qualities that Coach Lara looks for to build a good team?  

“Her willingness to learn and grow stands out the most. Alyla brings energy and positivity no matter what’s happening in the game. She’s accountable, teachable, and always looking for ways to improve — qualities that make her an ideal teammate and leader.” 

What type of person is Alyla during games and practice? 

“During games, Alyla is the glue that holds the team together. She’s our loudest encourager and always brings energy and confidence to the court. She has great court awareness and knows how to make smart plays when we need them most. During practice, she’s just as impactful — encouraging others, offering feedback, and helping her teammates grow. She raises the level of everyone around her.” 

What are Alyla strengths and weaknesses that Coach Lara notices? 

“Alyla’s greatest strength is her leadership and relentless drive. She never gives up and consistently pushes herself and her teammates to be better. Ironically, that same determination can also be her weakness — she pushes herself so hard that she sometimes risks overdoing it. But that passion and work ethic are what make her such an exceptional athlete.” 

Aaliyah Gonzales plays alongside Alyla. But does she believe Alyla deserves athlete of the week? “Yes, absolutely she is the hardest working, positive, uplifting person I know, on and off the court, always demonstrating leadership and confidence wherever she goes.” 

To Aaliyah, what is something that stands her out from the rest? 

“I would say there’s two things, her positive attitude, and her attention to detail. She sees what no one does other than coach, she knows how to help each teammate in all aspects of the game of volleyball both physically and mentally, which is where her positive attitude comes into play, always leading by example of her confidence, pride, and determination, showing her love for the game and us girls as a team.” 

Does Aaliyah believe she deserves the position she is in? 

“Yes absolutely, she started out on freshman team and shot her way up sophomore year to varsity, and I was lucky to be by her side. She also switched positions during that time, going from a setter to a middle. She was able to excel through the switch and is now an amazing middle. And has now rightfully earned the title of Captain, I couldn’t picture it being anyone else.” 

What type of person is Alyla during games and practice? 

“Alyla is a leader, the definition of a true captain. She is uplifting and always makes us as a team see the potential we have and literally brings all the communication and energy with her wherever she steps foot. Without Alyla on the court, the game always feels a little different.  Alyla is my go-to person for when I’m having a mental block or am being too hard on myself. She reminds me of who I am, I know my skill, and to go out on the court and perform the way I know how.” 

Is Alyla a friend on and off the court? 

“She is most definitely a friend on and off the court, she has a special connection with every girl on the court and would hang out or help any one of us out in a heartbeat. Her love for us shows through her passion for the game. It’s clear to see that we are her ‘why’.” 

What did Aaliyah see Alyla do to get into the position she is in? 

“I have seen her go through, knee injury after knee surgery, concussions, and more. Through all of these I’ve seen her fight, drive, passion, and grit though every situation. She has this fire that not a lot of people have, I think due to not being able to play because of injuries, it gives a person this intensified want to be the best in all aspects of their game, and they have more of this fire in them, but Alyla was also just born that way in my opinion! She has gotten to the point of such knowledge for the game of volleyball that she and coach will say the same exact things, or coach won’t even have to correct us because Alyla’s already got it covered! Alyla is the best teammate anyone could ever ask for.” 

Alyla Parker is in her senior year now and has been through a lot, yet she worked hard to get into the position she is in now as a volleyball player. But since it is her final season as a high schooler, will she continue playing after high school? 

“I have hope to continue playing after high school. Maybe at like CBC, a lower level.”