The NBL Weekend Takeover for 15/16 December will see Worcester Wolves take the reins of the NBL Instagram story.
We caught up with the Wolves' Layla Hall of their takeover weekend, in our latest Player Spotlight feature.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Name: Layla Hall
Team: Worcester Wolves - WNBL Division Two (North)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a 6’4” 21 year old forward playing in my second season for Worcester Wolves in WNBL Division Two. I am originally from Bristol, where I started playing for Bristol Storm at age 12, and have been playing competitively for around eight seasons. I also am an SGS College alumni, playing for their basketball programme for three years.
What brought you to the NBL in the first place?
I started playing basketball in school in Bristol at age 12, and within a few months I was playing for the Bristol Storm Under 14s girls team in the NBL. Since then I haven't gone a season without playing in the NBL, from Under 14s upwards.
What was your first impression of the NBL? How has that changed?
My first impression of the NBL was when I was very young. Between then and now I have found that the leagues are better laid out, with two WNBL leagues instead of just one.
What was your first "bright spot" with your team?
The first bright spot with our team was scoring 15 points in a preseason friendly in my first year of playing for the Wolves. It really showed how hard I had worked in the off-season in preparation for the new season.
What was your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge as a player is balancing my time and competing, whilst managing chronic and acute injury. Recently, a concussion meant I had to take some time off playing, and it is difficult to make sure you keep on top of both playing, university, and lifestyle whilst remaining fit.
What changes have you noticed in yourself since joining the NBL?
The biggest change within myself has been my increase in confidence. I suffered with lack of self-esteem, as I think many young people do, and playing sport at a high level has always been a massive boost.
What are you working on right now, what are your current goals?
Currently, my main goal is to play with composure, and to shoot my shots when I have them, rather than passing the ball out of my shot. This is being done with great help from my coach Ryan Emery.
What is your favourite NBL memory?
I have a lot of great memories from my time in the NBL, from captaining the Bristol Storm Under 18s team, to reaching the playoffs in my first year of playing for Worcester Wolves.
What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in basketball?
It is okay to make mistakes! Everything is a learning experience; not giving up and carrying on trying is the most important part of development. You won't be the best at everything straight away, but great things come from perseverance.
What do you like to do outside of basketball?
At the moment I am a second year student at the University of Worcester studying Sport and Exercise Science, so most of my time is taken up by basketball, studying and going to the gym.
Finally, who is your favourite British basketball player and why?
My favourite British basketball players are each one of my teammates!
You can follow Layla's progress this weekend when Worcester Wolves takeover the NBL Instagram story!
