Layla Napper '30 Named to U.S. Girls U15 Youth National Lacrosse Team
October 1, 2026
For Layla Napper ’30, a passion for lacrosse began in Pre-K at The Episcopal School of Dallas. Now, that early introduction to the sport has led to a national milestone: selection to the 2026 U.S. Girls U15 Youth National Team.
USA Lacrosse selected 24 athletes from across the country following regional identification clinics and a national combine at its headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. Layla is among the players representing the high school classes of 2029, 2030, and 2031 on the team.
The selection process tested athletes’ speed, agility, and lacrosse skills through physical assessments, drills, and scrimmages. Layla said she felt prepared for the challenge, even as the experience brought nerves. One highlight came during the combine, when she recorded the fastest time on the speed test.
“I was so happy and honored to be given this opportunity,” Layla said. “I have worked so hard to accomplish all I have in lacrosse, but this was probably one of my proudest moments.”
Layla, who plays midfield for her club team and will play attack for the national team, credits her speed, ability to dodge defenders, and knack for scoring as strengths on the field. Her journey has also required significant time and travel, as she plays for a club team based in Philadelphia while continuing to train locally in Dallas.
Her connection to lacrosse, however, began at ESD through the ESD Sports Fellowship Eagles Lacrosse Pockets program, an entry-level program for girls and boys in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Primer, which introduced her to the sport at an early age. She credits that opportunity as a defining part of her athletic journey.
“Without ESD, I would never have picked up a lacrosse stick, and I would most likely have never found the sport,” Layla said. “There are only a few schools here locally that offer lacrosse at a young age, so I am very lucky to have started my education at ESD.”
In fall 2026, Layla wore the USA jersey at the Brogden Cup, held September 25-27 at USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. The team competed in traditional field lacrosse and the sixes discipline against players representing Lacrosse Canada and the Haudenosaunee Nationals. The United States swept the tournament, claiming both boys’ and girls’ titles across the U15, U17, and U19 divisions.
For Layla, the opportunity carried significance beyond competition. She said she is one of the first few girls in Texas to have ever made one of the U.S. Youth National Teams and hopes her achievement will encourage more young athletes in the state to pursue lacrosse.
“I just want to make everyone proud, and I hope to help inspire others so lacrosse can continue to grow here in Texas,” she said.
Looking ahead, Layla hopes to play lacrosse at the collegiate level and continue pursuing opportunities with the U.S. National Team. She also has her sights set on the Olympics, where lacrosse will make its return to the Olympic program in 2028.
Her advice to younger players hoping to compete at a high level is simple: “Work hard and surround yourself with coaches and teammates who push you and make you better.”
