Layla Thomas is a sophomore born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but moved to Ocean Isle Beach right before middle school for a fresh start. She is currently in her first semester of the West Wind. Thomas decided to join West Wind because she saw tiktok posts and heard her friends talking about how much fun they have in this class.

 “I really want to get more into the social media aspect of it,” said Thomas.” I have always enjoyed watching my friends take pictures so I would like to learn how to take them myself.” 

Thomas played three sports up until her sophomore year. She recently quit basketball after her freshman year because she realized it wasn’t as enjoyable as it used to be. She plays volleyball and soccer for West. While also playing for school school, Thomas plays club soccer for Kickoff Soccer Academy (KOSA  and for Brunswick Football Club.

“I really enjoy playing soccer, it’s a face to face game and that makes it competitive which I like.” says Thomas. “Getting the opportunity to play with some of my best friends makes the experience so much more enjoyable.” 

Besides playing soccer Thomas enjoys spending her free time at the beach with friends and family. Her and her family have been going to Ocean Isle Beach since she was old enough to remember. She loves just being able to be free and hangout in the sun.

“I don’t know what I’d do in the summer if I didn’t live near the beach,” said Thomas. “Everyday I’m there from 10-5, going to the beach is also a great opportunity to meet new people and make new memories.” 

Thomas wants to pursue an education in criminology and work in the behavioral analysis unit at the University of Chapel Hill. If that doesn’t work out for her she would like to become an athletic trainer to help injured athletes. She hopes to also get a scholarship for soccer and play in college. 

 “Chapel Hill is my dream school and I couldn’t imagine anywhere else I want to go,”  said Thomas.