News

Three-sport athlete senior Layla Burgess committed to Corban University for softball in November.

The senior has been competing in a sport every season, playing soccer, basketball and softball every year she has been at Elmira High School. Burgess began her passion for sports all the way back in kindergarten.

Burgess will be attending Corban University, a private Christian school in Salem, Oregon that competes in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC), and is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Burgess also received an offer from Bushnell University in Eugene, but received the offer from Corban two days before Bushnell’s deadline.

“Once I did both visits,” Burgess said, “I knew Corban was going to be home for me.”

She will be joining the Warrior softball team, who won their last regular season championship in 2017, as a catcher, but will also likely play other positions.

“I am excited to strengthen my relationship with God and get to continue playing the sport I love,” Burgess told Falcon News.

Burgess credits her dad with being her biggest inspiration as he has pushed her to do her best. He has always been there for support at all of her games.

“My dad has helped coach me since I was little and he has always been supportive of my dreams,” Burgess said.

The future Warrior is very determined to achieve her goals going into college. She has kept good grades throughout high school and has continued to work everyday to make her dreams become a reality.

“I have worked hard for everything I have done, but I have always had a huge support system behind me,” Burgess said. “I am so grateful for everyone who has believed in me and has helped support my dreams.” 

Burgess will begin her Corban journey in the fall semester of 2025.