Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA plays with presence. Her communication, intensity, and willingness to impact the game beyond her assigned role allow her to influence rallies even when she is not the primary attacker.

“I want coaches to notice how I demand the ball, lead on the court, and still do my part even when I’m not being set.”

Her transition into playing opposite has expanded her game, forcing her to think more about block positioning, coverage, and offensive range. That development has been both physical and mental.

“A big part of my growth has been maintaining an attacker’s mindset and staying relentless.”

Her mindset is rooted in team connection and accountability.

“I focus on being the teammate I would want… making sure my energy and communication never drop.”

That combination of competitiveness, awareness, and connection makes her a player who can elevate the environment around her.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA , a Class of 2028 outside hitter and middle blocker from Long Beach Polytechnic High School and Alliance Volleyball Club, and currently listed on the official Prep Dig California State Watch List, is a player whose versatility and athleticism give college staffs a genuine reason to pay close attention. At 5’9″ with the ability to play both pin and middle, she brings the kind of multi-positional value that is difficult to find. Long Beach Poly is a program that won its first CIF Southern Section indoor volleyball title since 2010 in 2025 and went on to compete in the CIF State Division 1 playoffs, so the competition and standard she is being held to every day in practice is nothing short of excellent. Lailah has clearly taken advantage of that environment, developing into a prospect whose physical tools and court IQ are both moving in the right direction at the same time. She attacks with conviction and shows a willingness to play the full game rather than just hunting kills, which tells you the volleyball maturity is catching up with the athleticism. Her blocking instincts on both pins and in the middle are worth noting because she stays active and challenges hitters rather than just jumping and hoping. We were super excited when she volunteered for one of our demonstrations on the center court with everyone watching and she put on a show that got her moved up to the top courts. Lailah is a talented prospect in one of the deepest and most competitive states in the country and programs that make early contact with her will be glad they did not wait. Please help us congratulate her on earning Top Performer honors at this showcase event. 

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA , a Class of 2028 middle blocker/opposite from Long Beach Poly and Alliance Volleyball Club, was selected as the Avoli Committed Athlete for the West Coast Qualifier showcase.

At 5’9 with a 24-inch standing vertical and a 9’3 touch, Lailah brings physical tools, but more importantly, she operates with a mindset that prioritizes connection, consistency, and accountability on every rep. She brought a steady, confident vibe to a fast environment and consistently helped her court group stay organized, confident, and competitive from start to finish.

Lailah did not wait for structure to appear, she helped create it. As drills sped up and communication became more important, she stayed intentional with her voice and used it to keep her teammates engaged and competing.

“When the drills picked up speed, I was very intentional about communicating to my teammates, like telling them ‘keep swinging’ when fatigue starts to set in.”

That level of leadership shows an understanding of more than just the play, it shows awareness of timing, energy, and when teammates need reinforcement. She recognized when fatigue could shift momentum and stepped in before it did.

Lailah understands that how you respond in the middle of a rally says a lot about who you are as a teammate. She stayed aware of effort, not just outcomes, and made sure her teammates felt that.

“There was a play where my teammate made a really good effort play, and even though we didn’t get the point, I made sure to hype her up.”

That response is not about being positive for the sake of it. It reflects a player who values effort, reinforces the right behaviors, and keeps her teammates engaged in the process. That kind of presence builds trust quickly, especially in short, high-rep environments like a showcase.

The pace of the showcase did not change how Lailah approached each rep. She stayed grounded in her mindset and consistent in her effort, regardless of rotation or role.

“I just stayed focused on the next play and making sure I gave my best every rep.”

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA brings a combination of physical ability and intentional habits that continue to separate her. She understands how to communicate, how to respond, and how to impact the athletes around her in a meaningful way.

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA : Social Media Star of the Week

💡 Game You’re Proud Of
“My vocalism on the court helps me stand out, always calling what I see and letting my teammates know where they can swing. I celebrate hard, and try to bring up my teammates.”

📲 Why This Post Mattered
“By posting constantly on social media I have been able to put myself out there for recruiters and college volleyball players/coaches to see. I am motivated to post because it’s something I like to do but also to reach my ultimate goal of playing collegiate volleyball.”

🧠 What Coaches Should Know
“I am an artist, very creative and friendly. I LOVE focusing on nutrition, and want to become a sports dietitian as an adult.”

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA named Top Performer at PrepDig’s Exposure Tour in Gardena, CA.

Lailah’s physicality demanded attention. She showcased an unmatched arm, scoring both in front and behind the setter while staying aggressive through contact. She communicated constantly and looked for ways to help teammates, showing maturity in how she competes.

She shared that she is working to expand her hitter’s toolbox with smarter decisions and improved volleyball IQ. Lailah aims to be a terminal pin hitter, building off her success in the middle last season. Off the court, she is a published author of two books and loves to paint, highlighting a creative side that adds to her competitive personality.

She proved to be one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the gym.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA , a 2028 middle/pin from King Drew Magnet of Medicine and Science, is a driven student of the game who leads with both positivity and accountability. She’s confident in her ability to attack through the middle and is putting in the work to grow her skills as a pin hitter and back-row defender. Always observant and eager to learn, Lailah brings a balance of humility and hunger to every practice. Her biggest gains have come through aggressive attacking, earned through extra reps, optional practices, private lessons, weight training, and dedicated film study.

Reflecting on what draws her to the HBCU experience, she shared:
“Playing at an HBCU interests me because it is an opportunity to play surrounded by people who I have shared experiences with and who I can relate to on a whole different level. Playing at an HBCU could shape my volleyball journey by empowering me to level up like the elite Black girls around me, as well as encourage other Black girls. Outside of volleyball, playing at an HBCU could come with making lifelong friends who share my same interests and rich history.”

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA is a 2028 middle/pin who brings strength, speed, and a readiness that stands out. She plays with urgency and impact, showing she’s more than prepared for high-level competition. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA is a joy to watch because she means serious business on the court! When she is in sync with her setter, coupled with a very dynamic approach there is no stopping Lailah! Her skill and explosive swing draw immediate attention and she brought it all in front of the coaches and scouts at this Las Vegas HBCU Showcase. – Anthony Jones (Prep Dig AJ)

Lailah Clayborne Lailah Clayborne 5'9" | MB/RS Long Beach Polytechnic | 2028 CA , a 2028 middle blocker and opposite for King Drew High School, embraces her African-American identity with strength and pride. For Lailah, being Black means being strong, beautiful, and empowered by the resilience of those who came before her. It shapes not only who she is as a person, but also how she views her role in the sport. She chooses to define herself on her own terms and sees volleyball as a space where she can create change. Lailah aspires to become a recognizable figure in the game, someone who paves the way for more young Black girls to enter the sport with confidence and pride.

Her parents have been her biggest influences. From an early age, they instilled in her a deep sense of cultural pride and placed her in a club environment that celebrates diversity. Their support has helped her grow into a player who is comfortable in her skin, open to new experiences, and grounded in humility. That foundation has shaped her ability to thrive with any team and connect with teammates from all backgrounds.

To younger African-American athletes, Lailah offers valuable perspective. She encourages them to avoid falling into the trap of comparison and to understand that every athlete has a unique journey. Growth comes through effort, consistency, and a coachable attitude. With the right mindset, anything is possible, and success may come in ways you never expected. ~ Michelle Bamford @coachable247

Clayborne’s athleticism and quickness make her a dangerous offensive threat. She works around the block effectively, finding ways to score against tough defenses. Her ability to adjust mid-play is impressive, showing strong court awareness. This Freshman is one to watch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247