Relationships Matter as Brown picks LSU

TITLE: Relationships Matter for LSU Commit Takyla Brown
by Katie Myers

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The night of June 14th, Takyla was on FaceTime with some club teammates. The clock struck
midnight as the calendar turned to the next day...the texts and emails started to roll in the
Austin Juniors setter. “It was crazy and overwhelming at times...but I was also so grateful
because not everyone gets to experience this”, she said.

One of the Top 150 players in the
nation and USAV Nationals All-American, it’s not surprising her phone was blowing up.
Her club, Austin Juniors, is one of the premier clubs in the state of Texas. Brown credits AJV for
setting a standard of hard work and fostering an environment for growth. She said her coaches
at AJV set an example for her and are like her second family- “they want the best for you as a
person and player”.

That holistic, relationships first approach carried over into her recruiting.
When asked “why LSU?” Takyla's excitement was infectious. She could not stop smiling when
talking about the coaching staff’s vision, family like atmosphere at LSU, facilities, and playing in
the SEC. “The SEC is going to be so much fun to play in and be the best conference for
volleyball.” LSU was Brown’s first interest letter, first call, and first offer. They were always high
on her list, and she was high on theirs too.

Her aunt, Haley Eckerman, played for head coach Tonya Johnson at the University of Texas. Kevin Inlow, LSU’s assistant coach, previously
coached at AJV. The people closest to Takyla spoke very highly of the coaches, which she places a lot of value on.
Brown is set up for success at LSU, and I can’t wait to see her in the purple and gold.

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