HS & Club Softball

Seven Innings: Gerral Layton Louisiana Titans 16U

Gerral Layton’s Titans 16U team is a fast rising team out of Louisiana that features solid pitching, a nice blend of speed and power and a shutdown defense. Coach Layton is great in teaching fundamentals in his players so it’s not a surprise that the Titans could make a strong run in whatever tournament they’re in. The Titans are deep with players who can play multiple positions and bat anywhere in the lineup that makes this a well-rounded team. Coach Layton core group of players have been together since the original team was founded back in 2009. This Titans team is an aggressive fun team to watch with a high ceiling for success. Notable players to watch this summer are Allie Ellerbe, Maddie Ennis, and Rachel Yocum

Coach Layton excels at teaching the fundamentals at it shows in his players. It is no surprise that the Titans could make a strong run at any tournament they compete in. The Titans are loaded with players who can play multiple positions and bat anywhere in the lineup. That gives them flexibility and options. Coach Layton’s core group of players have been together since the original team was founded back in 2009.

They play an aggressive style making them fun to watch.

Notable players to watch this summer are Allie Ellerbe, Maddie Ennis, and Rachel Yocum.

Coach Layton recently had a conversation with FPN’s Brandon Pannell

Brandon Pannell: How do you prepare your team for a game?

Gerral Layton: The last team practice before game day is usually working the mental aspect of the game. Instead of focusing on skills I plan drills that are going to work mental preparation for the game. Also prior to our game, I will scout and research teams we will be playing.

Brandon Pannell: What one word or phrase do you want people to associate with your name?

Gerral Layton: Integrity

Brandon Pannell: What factors, other than skill set and athletic ability, influence you when selecting a player to be on the team?

Gerral Layton: Not only do I consider a players skill set and athletic ability, I also look at their attitude, parents, and extracurricular activities. I want an athlete who is a selfless, well-rounded individual with supportive parents committed to their success.

Brandon Pannell: How do you handle the tryout and cut process?

Gerral Layton: Our Titans Organization has grown to 13 softball teams and one baseball team, therefore our tryout process continues to evolve each year. We currently hold a yearly tryout in August for all teams. Last year we had over 300 athletes show up for tryouts. In order to keep teams growing and find the new talent, we require all players to try out in the fall (even if you made a team the previous season).

Brandon Pannell: How do you deal with multiple sports athlete missing practices for other sporting events

Gerral Layton: I don’t have a problem with my players playing multiple sports, I encourage and support my athletes to be the best in whatever sport they choose. I feel like playing multiple sports keeps them in shape, keeps them mentally fresh and minimizes the possibility of softball burnout. If they miss a practice I ask that they be sure and put the work in on their own free time.

Brandon Pannell: What type of athlete is most difficult for you to work with? How do you overcome this?

Gerral Layton: The “Un-coachable Athlete” is the most difficult to work with. I try to avoid this type of player when selecting my team. When we do have this type of player on the team I find having open communication with the player about this issue, followed by limiting their playing time usually helps to overcome this problem.

Brandon Pannell: What sports books or sports movies are your favorites and why?

Gerral Layton: My all-time favorite sports movie is Remember the Titans, this is what our Titans organization is named after. I find this movie’s message of setting aside differences in culture and race to work together as a team the key to being successful not only as a team but throughout life. Facing the Giants is another favorite movie of mine, the message this movie teaches of overcoming fears, having faith and conquering the victory is a powerful lesson for all athletes to learn.

Brandon Pannell: What person and or event have had the most influence on your life? Why?

Gerral Layton: My daughter Bailey, her dedication, watching her grow as a person and athlete makes all that I do worth it.

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