Carl Albert’s Lylla Owens

For Carl Albert High School senior Lylla Owens, volleyball is about more than delivering a perfectly placed set. As the Lady Titans’ setter, Owens embraces the responsibility of leading teammates, communicating in pressure moments and helping create an environment where everyone can succeed.

“I am a setter for my team,” Owens said.

That role has helped shape her perspective on the game and on life. Owens said volleyball has strengthened her ability to lead while also teaching her the importance of being someone teammates can trust.

“My sport has taught me how to be a good leader, a good teammate for my other teammates to lean on, and it has taught me how to communicate with not only my coaches and teammates but also with my own self encouragement and mindset,” Owens said.

Owens also values the relationships volleyball has brought into her life, including a lasting friendship with teammate Jadyn Roberts. The two have played club volleyball together since they were 13 years old.

“The teammate that has left the biggest impression on me is my teammate Jadyn Roberts,” Owens said. “We have played club together since our 13’s year and she has continued to shine the lords light no matter who she’s talking to, or where she’s at. She was the biggest shoulder for me to lean on, and just my most consistent teammate and friend.”

Her greatest support, however, comes from home. Owens credits her parents for consistently encouraging her through games, practices, school and club volleyball.

“My biggest inspiration comes from my mom and my day,” Owens said. “My dad has never missed one of my games since my freshman year, and that’s including my club tournaments. He is my biggest cheerleader and supporter and always there to tell me he’s proud of me. My mom has always had my back and has always been the best listener after games, practices and school days. She’s the first person I go to when something happens, and I couldn’t ask for a better support system.”