Orange Lutheran senior Kayla Spencer has been playing indoor volleyball for nearly a decade, following in the footsteps of her older sister and OLu alum, Hailey Spencer '23. In her sophomore year, she joined OLu's beach volleyball program and has enjoyed competing on the sand court.
 
"I definitely love the partner aspect of it," says Spencer of beach volleyball. "I'm playing with my best friend…and it's been really fun connecting with all of the girls on a deeper level. It's just you and them on the court, so you need to bond and communicate…It's a different aspect, and I really like that."
 
As a team captain for the Lancers this season, Spencer is intentional about supporting her younger teammates while helping them understand the nuances between beach and indoor volleyball. Alongside her playing partner and fellow senior Jayden Santos, she ensures that prayer is incorporated into every practice and game.
 
"Kayla Spencer is a servant leader who builds teammates up," says OLu beach volleyball head coach Ty McKeever. "She is clear-minded, focused, hard-working and positive in and out of the sand; an ideal example for others to emulate. After practice and between events, she shares love with others in prayer and faith-building. As her coach, I'm ecstatic to work with her to improve our program's Christian fellowship while giving glory to God through friendly, high-level competition."
 
Having played a number of years for club volleyball teams, Spencer values the opportunity to attend school alongside her teammates. The three-year varsity player also appreciates a shared commitment to honoring God both on and off the court.
 
"Because you see these girls every day…you really get to connect with them and grow with them," says Spencer. "And we wear a cross on the back of our jerseys, so playing for Orange Lutheran specifically, I think, has been a really good way, regardless of if we're sharing our faith with them or not, at least they're able to see it."
 
Adjusting to the playing style of beach volleyball took some getting used to for Spencer, such as navigating the environmental factors that come with playing outdoors. But it has also given her a chance to appreciate God's creation in a new way. Playing both beach and indoor volleyball have taught the 18-year-old how to multitask while embracing mistakes as opportunities for improvement.
 
"I've definitely learned how to lose better," says Spencer. "I'm a very competitive person. I love winning, but learning how to lose, and learning how to learn from your mistakes, has been a really big life lesson. Also, the ability to keep my tasks in check, balancing beach volleyball, club volleyball, school work and all those things."
 
Away from athletics, Spencer has been a mentor in OLu's Engage Program for two years. A peer mentoring program created to support transfer students as they become part of the Lancer community, she enjoys connecting with new students, helping them navigate OLu and encouraging them to get involved in campus life.
 
Spencer plans to pursue pre-med studies and hopes to continuing playing volleyball on a recreational level. No matter the path, she believes that every chance she has to play and share her faith through volleyball is a gift from God.
 
"Regardless of if we win or lose, regardless how good or bad we play, we have the opportunity because God gave it to us," says Spencer. "Everything that we get to do is because He allows us to. It's a gift that we're able to even be here, share our faith together and share the enjoyment of volleyball together."
 
Spencer considers her mother, who is an elementary and middle school principal, to be one of her most influential role models and credits her with teaching her everything—from problem-solving to pursuing life with passion.
 
"She's one of my best friends," says Spencer of her mom. "Seeing how she handles other people…her problem solving skills, her passion for everything that she does…it's just something that really inspires me."