Softball Is UCF-Commit Layla Bennett’s Comfort Zone
Layla Bennett
Layla
Bennett
MIF
Pearland | 2026
#69
Nation
TX
‘s personality changes when she’s playing softball.
“When I get on the field, I want to talk to anyone. I feel like I’m more comfortable and can open up and just be teammates with everyone,” Bennett said. “Usually I’m more quiet and reserved. But being on the field I feel like I’m free to be who I am.”
Throughout the years, Bennett’s teammates have been able to see that change in the Pearland, Texas native.
“On one team I joined, one girl thought I was mute until I started talking,” Bennett said. “But once I get comfortable, I definitely start talking a lot.”
Bennett, a 2026 high school graduate, has committed to the University of Central Florida. The middle infielder/utility player plays travel ball for Impact Gold Jackson 18U. Bennett was initially introduced to the UCF coaches while attending a camp at UCF when her team was playing in Clearwater, Florida.
She attended another camp in Colorado and met UCF assistant coaches Noah Sanders and Stacie Pestrak.
“Then, I was able to go to UCF on an official visit and see the environment, and I just really enjoyed it,” Bennett said. “I could see myself there for my college years. The program is good and I really like the coaches and players. I felt comfortable there.”
EXCITED TO BE A KNIGHTTTT!!!!💛🖤#committed #GKCO pic.twitter.com/3NVntJRUZ5
— Layla Bennett
Bennett was born and raised in Pearland. She started playing softball because her parents saw the neighbor’s kids coming home in uniforms and asked them about the league. Bennett began playing a few months later.
She’s mainly been playing second base in travel ball and has started to play first a little bit more in order to be a more versatile option in college.
Bennett has played for many teams over the years, and has always required more time to let her guard down.
“I went to a private Catholic school, so I just grew up knowing the same people for almost 10 years,” she said. “I think I just got used to not having to open up to new people. I think that’s just why I’ve always been more quiet.”
Bennett has a creative side, too, and enjoys doing arts and crafts. She is also taking a culinary class in school, where she is learning to master baking cookies and other skills around the kitchen.
“It’s just something fun and relaxing to do, because junior year is stressful,” Bennett said. “I just wanted a class that wouldn’t put as much stress on me if I took another harder course.”
Bennett isn’t sure which career path she may explore once she’s done playing softball, although she has some options she’s been considering.
“Sports medicine, but I’ve also been thinking about majoring in engineering too because my mom works for Shell,” Bennett said. “UCF has great options no matter what I decide to do, and I am excited about that.”
