Confidence fuels record-breaking season for Danville’s Layla Sherill
For the Enquirer
A little confidence can go a long way.
Danville striker Layla Sherrill’s confidence sparked her to a record-setting season that propelled the Hawks (19-5-1) to a Class 1A-3A Area 7 championship and their fourth straight playoff appearance.
Sherrill totaled 84 goals in 25 games to lead the nation in goals scored. The mark, third all time in the state, set a new record for most goals in a season in both Danville girls and boys history, surpassing the previous record of 48 goals, set by current Danville girls coach Kelsie Hanline in 2017. Sherrill also set the state record for most hattricks in a season with 15. The freshman surpassed 100 career goals and finished the season with 140 career goals in 61 games.
Sherrill discussed her growth as a player since becoming a varsity starter in the seventh grade, when she had 27 goals in 16 games followed by 29 goals in 20 games as an eighth grader.
“I came in as a little seventh grader playing against 12th graders and a bunch of older girls,” Sherrill said. Kelsie and (boys coach) Justin (Hanline) and Mrs. (Brandy) Sutton (former boys coach) have definitely taught me to believe in myself and that has helped me so much.” Kelsie Hanline witnessed the impact of Sherrill’s confidence.
“I think the one thing she had developed the most is confidence,” Hanline said. “She has never been one to want all the attention on her. I think she is realizing that attention is to be expected when you play really well. She is learning to deal with her frustration when she makes mistakes. I personally think once you get full confidence in yourself you become unstoppable. Mistakes are going to happen. You can’t prevent them. But learning how to deal with them is what makes a good player a great player. I think she is improving with that more and more each year. I seen a very confident version of herself this season and I think that her stats show it.” Sherrill said her sister, junior right wing Maddie, has also helped keep her composed and focused.
“I’ve learned definitely not to get upset with myself,” Layla said. “Every time I get upset with myself, (Maddie) gets me out of my head.” Maddie said the support has been mutual.
“She’s played a lot longer than me but has been patient and helpful to help improve my game,” Maddie said. “Although we might still get into the occasional arguments, it has improved our relationship off the field as well. We’ve always been close, but since we’ve played together, we have definitely grown a lot closer.” Layla credited her grandfather, Steve Armstrong, for inspiring her to play soccer. Armstrong, who also played soccer, coached boys and girls soccer at Austin and girls soccer at West Morgan.
“My grandad helped my development by always practicing with me whenever I needed extra help,” she said. “If I had a free day and needed to work on a skill he’d always make time to help me. From him I have learned to love soccer, not just play it. He has taught me a lot about how to love the sport and how to respect everyone who plays it.” Armstrong expanded on his granddaughter’s love for the game.
“She’s been a phenomenal athlete her whole life, and she loves soccer so much,” he said. “When she got ready to go to middle school, her dad (Jeffrey) said she had to play two sports, and she said ‘OK, I’ll play soccer and soccer.’ That’s always been her attitude.” Sherrill has also played for club team Cottontown United, based in Athens, the past two years. Cottonwood coach Craig Stults described how she has helped the team.
“She’ll do whatever the team needs,” Stults said. “She’ll play in the back if she needs to. She doesn’t really care where she plays as long as she’s in the game.” Sherrill’s progress led to Hanline adding to the young standout’s team duties.
“I decided to make Layla a captain towards the end of the season, because I know she would be a great one and I’m trying to get her to be more comfortable sharing her knowledge with her teammates,” Hanline said. “She did really well with it, and she stepped up when needed to. I see a bright future for her. She is going to achieve a lot, and I am just so proud that I get to coach her to help her along the way.”
