Laiken Burnett and I have quite a history together, created over the past few years. During her Freshman year the now Junior played on all three JV teams and I was there for all but a handful of those games. Watching Laiken play each of the sports made me smile and think about my Baseball hero, Greg Maddux.
Just like Maddux was back in High School, Burnett isn’t going to be the fastest or most gifted athlete so her focus is on being the smartest. Maddux was not offered a single College scholarship yet managed to win 300+ Major League Baseball games because of his attention to detail.
Watching 👀 Burnett was fun for me because you could see the wheels turning and back then it was easy to make her smile by pointing a finger at my Brain 🧠.
Freshman become Sophomores and Burnett continued down the three sport path and this time it was at the Varsity level across the board. Burnett handled the adjustment well, especially considering the difference in talent of the competition and the demands of her Coaches. She also was able to soak in Senior leadership from the likes of Alyssa Ervin and Emma Leath. On the personal side of it, the amount of Love and Respect she has for her Big Brother glows and its harder to get her to laugh in my direction. The relationship between Laiken and her Father is one that dreams are made of.
Fast Forward now and Laiken Burnett is a Junior on a Volleyball team with just one Senior, Aza Petty. Last night, Laiken showed up for a match on a 3-3 team that is trying hard to find its identity. Then in a blink of an eye 👁, Laiken transformed from playing Volleyball 🏐 to leading a team in a match from start to finish.
Watching someone go from trying hard to play a game to controlling the game was nothing short of fun for me. The assists cleared the 40 mark and it wasn’t even the highlight, that was her ability to bend the game with her will.
Laiken Burnett has taken the next step 🚶♂️ and I couldn’t be happier for her and her Family.
Like with any other features, I reached out to others to offer them a chance to share their thoughts –
First Up – Volleyball Coach Cindy Edwards :
Laiken is a Jr. Setter with a lot of ability to control the game our offense runs thur her hands and the decisions she makes setting the ball .
Laiken, last year had great middles to set to who put the ball down this year she has to distribute it all around more including her self as a hitter when she’s on the front row.
Laiken also has been one of those 3 sport athletes who is very smart and knowledgeable because she see everything so well.”
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From Dad 👨 :
” She loves to compete but most importantly she loves to lead. She can be contagious at times.
She strives to be a great teammate and player.She loves her school. Cherishes being a Cavalier. Loves her family. Loyalty is one of her greatest traits.”
Ladies and Gentlemen – Laiken Burnett is a Thinker and its nice that she’s on our side !
A.S.P.N on The Hill 