Layla is a 16-year-old girl with a fiery disposition who was born with a competitive spirit and a need for speed.

In the spring of 2026, Layla became the first wheelchair athlete in Eden Prairie High School history. While EPHS Track & Field has an impressively robust and experienced coaching staff who are committed to athlete development, the foundational expertise and experience with coaching wheelchair athletes was limited. This directly affected the level and quality of coaching that was available to Layla in her first year on the team.

At the start of the season, Layla immediately demonstrated incredible determination, athletic ability, and grit. She would plan and execute her own workouts; and showed a true passion for competition and her genuine desire to get better week after week.

This is where Layla sets herself apart from the competition. Not only did she want to get better - she was eager to put in the work required to become a better athlete. As part of the coaching staff, I took notice of this and felt deeply that she not only possessed the talent and drive needed to be competitive, but that she deserved the same level of dedicated coaching as her able-bodied teammates.

Layla’s passion for her sport and her relentless work ethic have already led her to establish school records and to qualify for competition at both the State and National level. With the support of her loving family and community, she is determined to continue breaking barriers and making history.

Despite conditions affecting her lower body and left arm, Layla refuses to let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Currently, Layla is racing in a decades-old borrowed chair that doesn’t function properly, causing drift during races and limiting her ability to compete fairly.

To be able to compete safely, fairly, and to her full capability, Layla will need a specialized racing chair and gloves tailored to her needs.

The costs of specialized equipment, travel accommodations, logistics support, wheelchair transportation, competition entry fees, and accessible lodging accommodations can present a challenge for a family who is self-funding Layla’s endeavors.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you are helping Layla level the playing field, and giving her the opportunity to reach her full potential.

Your generosity will provide her with the support needed to continue to compete, set new records, and inspire others. Please consider supporting Layla’s journey and help her make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Together, we can help provide Layla with a community to help her succeed, and the support she needs to achieve her goals.

Thank you for your support!

— Team Layla