Laila Spence joins the Fayetteville State University volleyball program as a freshman right-side/pin hitter from Fort Worth, Texas. A graduate of Dunbar High School, Spence arrives in Fayetteville with an impressive combination of athletic achievement, academic excellence, and community service experience.
A multi-sport standout, Spence excelled in both volleyball and flag football during her high school career. On the volleyball court, she earned First Team All-District honors in 2022 and 2025, was named Co-Blocker of the Year in 2024, and maintained All-Academic Honors recognition throughout her high school years. In flag football, she earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 and Offensive Player of the Year recognition in 2024 while helping her team make multiple playoff appearances.
Spence's accomplishments extend beyond athletics. She was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Thurgood Marshall S.O.A.R. Program Award, which provided her the opportunity to participate in leadership workshops, career pathway programs, and campus experiences at Fayetteville State University. She was also chosen for the Ron Brown Guided Pathway Support Program, a nationally recognized initiative that supports college-bound African American students. At Fayetteville State, she has already earned recognition as an MS3 Scholar Awardee and Matriculation Institute member.
A Biology major, Spence plans to become an occupational therapist, helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life following injury or illness. Her passion for serving others is reflected in her extensive community involvement.
Spence has been a member of Girl Scouts since the age of six and achieved Ambassador status, the highest rank within the organization. Through Girl Scouts Troop 3921, she participated in numerous community service initiatives, including producing more than 1,000 period packs for underserved schools, sewing adaptive hospital gowns for patients with medical ports, and organizing food and toy drives. She has also dedicated significant time to The Branch of Goodness, a nonprofit organization that assists formerly incarcerated individuals with employment and housing opportunities. As a shift leader at AT&T Stadium events, her volunteer efforts have directly supported the organization's mission and fundraising initiatives.
Outside of volleyball, Spence enjoys football, basketball, and supporting her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys. She credits her mother, whom she affectionately calls "Ms. Make It Happen," as her biggest athletic influence for providing her with opportunities to pursue volleyball since she was 11 years old.
Spence chose Fayetteville State because she wanted to be part of a winning culture and immediately felt the support of the Broncos community. She believes one of the things that makes Fayetteville State special is the way students, faculty, and fans consistently rally behind student-athletes.
With a strong foundation of leadership, service, and athletic success, Spence brings talent, determination, and a team-first mentality to the Broncos volleyball program as she begins her collegiate career.
