Kyla Solis found a different perspective after a back injury forced the 6-foot-3 sophomore to sit out her sophomore season at Medina Valley. Cleared to play now, she's looking to make up for lost time next season.
Courtesy photo
After earning all-district honorable mention in her first season at the varsity level,
Kyla Solis' sophomore year was supposed to be a breakout campaign.
However, she hit a roadblock. A painful one at that.
One week into practice for the
Medina Valley (Castroville, Texas) volleyball team this past fall, Solis started having back issues. It was an injury she had felt as a freshman, but this was more severe.
Solis, a 6-foot-3 middle blocker, was diagnosed with two pars stress fractures, one on the left side of her back and the other on the right.
"I was on complete shutdown and I had to wear a full back brace and I couldn't do anything really," Solis said.
Medina Valley volleyball coach Deesa Griggs thought one of her top players might miss the first six weeks of the season, but it turned into a lot longer.
"Obviously, you're upset because you know she can help the team but at the same time she's a young player and you want the best for her as well," Griggs said.
Solis' sophomore season was over before it even started. She was devastated.
"It was tough because my team went to the playoffs and I couldn't help out physically," Solis said. "It was hard but I had to just have a strong mindset and know that I can support my team."
Solis had to resort to cheering her teammates on from the bench and be their biggest supporter. She knew she could be a difference-maker just by being there for her peers.
"It was a different aspect," Solis said. "It gave me another point of view. But I did enjoy cheering them on — they're a lot of my close friends. … I think it helps me be stronger."
Solis is active in her community, volunteering at
an assisted living facility as well as handing out food
to the less fortunate.
Courtesy photo
Solis had a long five-month stint with rehab. She worked hard to try and get back on the court for her teammates.
There was a two-week span when Medina Valley was in district playoffs that Solis was able to practice with her team. She did some live hitting and blocking but after consulting her doctor, it was determined the constant jumping was too much of a strain on her back. She was officially done for the remainder of the season.
Griggs is excited Solis will be only a junior next season and has two years with her. Her coach loves all Solis' attributes on and off the court.
"She's a team player, comes from a good family," Griggs said. "Obviously her height is a great asset. Just an all-around good kid. She's multi-talented I guess would be her best asset."
Having to sit out the season was a valuable teaching tool for the 15-year-old.
"It made me realize not to take anything for granted and it made me realize how much I appreciate volleyball," said Solis, who turned 16 on Feb. 20.
Two months ago, Solis was cleared to get back on the court. She started playing with her club team, the San Antonio Magic 16 Elite.
Solis couldn't wait to feel the exhilaration of being able to play volleyball again.
"I'm going to be honest, it was really difficult," Solis said. "It took a lot of practices but I didn't give up. I knew it was going to happen and so far things have been going really well, just getting better with time."
Last weekend, Solis traveled with her club team to an invite-only tournament in Kansas City. It was a great chance for Solis to show college scouts — there were 144 Division I colleges in attendance — she's back and at 100 percent. Solis has been talking with college recruiters and has gone on one unofficial visit. However, she isn't disclosing which schools she's been in contact with.
Solis is looking for a good volleyball university but also a school known for its academics.
"School and volleyball are my top priorities," said Solis, who would like to become a neonatal nurse.
Having a 4.0 grade point average will allow Solis into any institution. Solis — who was named academic all-district as a freshman and sophomore — knows keeping straight-A's in the classroom will go a long way to attracting Division I colleges.
Away from school, Solis enjoys making a difference in her community. She volunteers regularly at an assisted living facility. She goes and visits with the residents and plays games and puzzles with them. Through her church, Solis teaches kids religious classes similar to Sunday school and also helps serve food to less fortunate community members.
"I enjoy it," Solis said. "It's great to be involved in something other than volleyball."
That's say a lot since volleyball is such an important aspect in Solis' life.
Know an incredible student-athlete who stands out in sports and in life away from competition? Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on MaxPreps.
A 4.0 student, Solis is hoping to play volleyball collegiately one day knowing her academics help that chance.
Courtesy photo
