Layla Canales

As a dominant high school player in Gainesville, Florida, Layla Canales was no stranger to the spotlight, leading the nation in goals during her sophomore season. However, making the transition from local success to the Division I stage at Villanova required a shift in focus.

Layla knew that to compete at the next level, she needed to refine her game IQ and build the mental and physical toughness required for the college game. By joining the 6-8 Sports family, she found the specialized coaching and international exposure needed to round out her skill set.

The 6-8 Academy has helped me improve my game IQ, physical stamina, and mental toughness. The dedication and support from all of the coaches has shaped who I am today and continues to motivate me to become a better player. I am so grateful to be a part of the 6-8 family!

Layla Canales

International Exposure

Layla’s journey with 6-8 took her far beyond the training pool. In 2023, she was named to the 6-8 All-Star Team that traveled to Croatia, providing her with invaluable experience against international competition. This exposure, combined with the rigorous training within the Academy, allowed Layla to translate her high-volume scoring ability into a well-rounded, high-IQ game. By the time she arrived at Villanova, she wasn’t just a scorer; she was a versatile Attacker prepared for the speed of the collegiate game.

The 6-8 Platform

Through the 6-8 platform, Layla’s progress was quantified and visible to recruiters. Her participation in international trips and national team selection camps was documented alongside her performance metrics, creating a powerful digital resume. The 6-8 Mobile App allowed her to track her development in real-time, while the Dashboard gave Villanova’s coaching staff a clear window into her potential.

Achieving The Dream

Layla made an immediate impact as a freshman at Villanova, scoring 63 goals, the second-most on the team, and earning MAAC Rookie of the Week honors twice. She has also excelled in the classroom as an ACWPC All-Academic honoree and a member of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. Today, Layla continues to lean on the foundations built with 6-8:

I’m so thankful for the experiences I had with 6-8. They pushed me to become a better player and gave me the tools to succeed at Villanova. Go Nova!