Meet Leyla Blackwell: San Diego Native Returning Home to Play for the Pro Volleyball Team San Diego Mojo
Her Sports SD had a chance to talk with La Jolla High grad Leyla Blackwell of the San Diego Mojo Pro Volleyball team. Read about her journey and how she came to be the player she is today.
At just 22 years old, San Diego native Leyla Blackwell has already built an impressive volleyball career. She played for three college teams and was drafted last year by the San Diego Mojo professional team. Blackwell was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft while playing at Nebraska. Since then, she has appeared in 13 matches, averaging 2.35 kills per set with a .417 hitting percentage.
Growing up in La Jolla, Leyla recalled her early memories of playing volleyball with her mother. “When I was younger, I remember my mom playing beach volleyball, so I started playing with her a lot during the summers,” said Blackwell. “After that, I joined a club team around age 11 and just fell in love with the sport.”
Blackwell credits her friends and family for playing a vital role in her volleyball journey. “I don't know how I could have done it without their support and the support of my teammates and their families,” said Blackwell. “It’s such a family-oriented sport.”
From playing for the La Jolla Volleyball Club, where her mother still works today, to competing in high school, Blackwell’s career has been filled with milestones.
At La Jolla High, she recorded 836 kills and 355 blocks (202 solo) and was named an Under Armour Third Team All-American.
La Jolla High and University of San Diego grad Leyla Blackwell is enjoying her first year in the pros on the San Diego Mojo. Video: San Diego Mojo (edited)
She played at Indiana in 2020-2021, appearing in 18 matches and leading the team in blocking with 61 blocks.
In 2021, she returned home to play for the University of San Diego (USD) Toreros, earning three-time All-WCC (West Coast Conference) first-team honors (2021-23). She was instrumental in guiding the Toreros to the 2022 NCAA Semifinals and set a USD single-season record with 152 block assists and led the WCC with 176 total blocks (24 solo) and an average of 1.50 blocks per set, ranking sixth nationally.
After three years at USD and earning her degree in Political Science, she transferred to Nebraska, where she helped the Cornhuskers advance to the 2024 Final Four before being recruited by the San Diego Mojo.
Discussing the transition from collegiate volleyball to the professional level, Blackwell admitted, “Managing and getting used to a new team while staying healthy has been kind of a challenge, but honestly, it has been so much fun.”
She also highlighted the familiar faces on her team, sharing, “There are so many girls that I’ve played with in high school who are now my teammates, and they’ve been instrumental in helping me adjust to professional volleyball.”
As a player, Blackwell is dedicated to continuous improvement. She emphasized the importance of analyzing game film, which helps both her and her teammates identify areas for growth. She also praised the coaches and staff at San Diego Mojo for their invaluable guidance.
Mojo middle blocker Leyla Blackwell (middle), and Dr. Laika Nur, Scripps Clinic, discuss unique health factors for women and girls playing sports they love. Video: CBS 8 San Diego
On her days off in sunny San Diego, Blackwell enjoys relaxing at the beaches in La Jolla and reading. She also returns to coach at the volleyball club where her mother works. “It’s been great to go back and see some of the girls I know and have coached a little bit,” she said. “Getting to see the next generation of volleyball players coming up has been cool.”
As the season progresses, Blackwell remains focused on both personal and team goals. She and her teammates are determined to improve with each match. “I think we're just trying to prove to ourselves and our fans that no matter what our record is, no matter what the end of the year looks like, we are constantly striving for greatness,” she shared. “We want to be one of those four teams at the end of the season that makes it to the semifinals and playoffs.”
Leyla Blackwell’s journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport. From her early days playing on the beach with her mother to excelling in college and now competing at the professional level, she has proven herself to be a force in volleyball. As she continues her career with the San Diego Mojo, her commitment to improvement and her team’s success remains unwavering. With her talent and drive, there is no doubt that Blackwell will continue to make an impact on and off the court, inspiring the next generation of volleyball players.
Great article!