Dream continues for Merced College's Kayla Clarot

Kayla Clarot headed to the Sophomore Volleyball Showcase with no expectations.

Injuries had limited the libero in her two years with Merced College, producing pedestrian stats.

As a result, few four-year schools had come calling.

Clarot had made her peace with it. An outstanding student and artist, her future remained bright, even if it wasn't going to involve volleyball.

"I went to the sophomore showcase thinking it was probably the last time in my life I was going to play competitive volleyball," Clarot said. "I just figured if it was my last time, I was going to give it my all."

It turns out, Clarot's all-out attitude is precisely what Holy Names University coach Dwight Combs was looking for.

Clarot shined during the showcase at San Joaquin Delta community college in Stockton, not only with her ability, but with her non-stop effort as well.

"Schools probably liked what they saw on Kayla's film, but they were scared off by her stats," MC coach Jessica Casey said. "Unfortunately, things like Kayla's effort and work ethic aren't going to show up on tape. The Holy Names coach was able to see all of those things live."

Despite fighting shoulder problems for most of the year, Clarot amassed a team-high 182 digs and a first-team all-CVC nod in her sophomore season.

Clarot joins a Hawks team that just missed out on the NAIA national tournament with a loss in the Cal Pac tournament final and returns seven seniors.

"I'm an athlete, so this opportunity means everything to me," Clarot said. "I was jumping up and down when I got the call. The school is small and close to home and going to give me money to play volleyball."