Jayla Hollis interviews at the 2017 UIL 5A state track meet
Sophomore track stud Jayla Hollis has transferred from the powerhouse track program Lancaster (TX) and has been enrolled at DeSoto (TX) , which is another Texas powerhouse track program.
Lancaster is a 5A state perennial powerhouse program where Hollis starred as a freshman. In just her first year, Hollis was a big part of the program where she was a top ranked 100m hurdler with a 13.68 PR and a third place finisher in the 200m at the 2017 UIL 5A state meet. Older brother Jordan Hollis - Purdue University freshman, just graduated last year from Lancaster where he competed for four years.
The decision to transfer was an academic decision, "After careful thought, Jayla and I decided that the best academic challenging environment for her would be to enroll at Desoto High School," said Mrs. Dottie Hollis. "Jayla's ultimate professional goal in life is to become a physician. Over the summer, Jayla was accepted into the International Baccalaureate Program at Desoto," Mrs. Hollis said.
The Lancaster and DeSoto communities are neighboring communities separated by Interstate 35W in the south Dallas area. "We considered some of the private schools farther north from us, but Jayla did not want to leave the south."
Jaylay Hollis wins the 200m at Texas Tech Under Armour HS Classic
That works out because Hollis gets to continue running for a big time track program. However, she will have to sit out from the varsity level. Mrs. Hollis said, "Even though the move was solely on academics," The transfer does not meet UIL Eligibility Standards. "Jayla is excited about working and training with her track teammates. Unfortunately, Jayla is ineligible to compete at varsity level this year, she still has an optimistic attitude for her sophomore year."
So far this season, Hollis is having a great indoor track season. She has run 8.71 in the 60H good to enough to be tied for # 9 nationally and 24.17 in the 200m ranking #5 in the nation.
"Even though I have not met Coach Villers (DeSoto HC) personally, I feel comfortable with her direction and leadership. She's communicated via phone with me, how Jayla has adapted and fit right in. Jayla has progressed remarkably since last year dropping, her time indoors from last year. Jayla's current academic and athletic success is accredited to the Desoto's administration, Coach Villers, and the North Texas Cheetahs Track Club."
