"The Incredibles: Deep-Range Sniper, Fearless Floor General, and Relentless Competitor"

Kayla Joy Varpness

@KaylaVarpress

IG: @kayla_v_3

5’9”, 135lbs, Class of 2030

Donelson Christian Academy, TN

Nickname: Koala-K - She is all over you and there is nothing you can do about it.

Kayla is a walking highlight reel with the blend of deep shooting range, explosive first step, and fearless playmaking that turns every possession into a problem for the defense. Give her an inch beyond the arc, and her three-point shot cuts like a dagger. Crowd her too tightly and she’ll blow past with lightning-quick handles, attacking the rim with purpose and flair. Her left-handed pull-up jumper is smooth and effortless, her footwork is good, and her basketball IQ is elite for her age. With court vision that helps her pick apart any defense, timely dimes, and the ability to lock in defensively, she is a matchup nightmare from tip-off to final buzzer.

This past season, she averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals as a 7th grader at MJMS while leading her team to high finishes in back-to-back TMSAA State Tournaments. Her biggest improvement has been her ability to get to the rim, and this offseason she’s focused on adding strength to finish through contact and increase efficiency. Already battle-tested at the highest AAU stage, she helped lead her team to a runner-up finish at Chicago Nike Nationals, their only loss coming by a single point. The sting of that loss, and a missed free throw in the final moments, now fuels her hunger to make sure it never happens again.

On a mission, Kayla isn’t just chasing a DI roster spot, but is set on playing in the NCAA Tournament and pushing past the first round. She carries herself with the swagger of someone who knows she can play at the highest level and is proving it now, not later. Every game is a statement, every possession another chance to validate what she already believes, that she belongs among the elite.

The foundation of everything Kayla does, on and off the court, is rooted in her faith and unshakable relationship with God. Her love for Jesus is her anchor, her purpose, and the driving force behind her work ethic and resilience. She is deeply thankful for the gifts she’s been given and gives God the ultimate glory for every opportunity and ability she has. Family nights, Bible studies, and training alongside her siblings keep her grounded, grateful, and focused on what truly matters.

This upcoming season, she steps in as the starting point guard at Donelson Christian Academy under Coach Dustin Patton. Her energy, encouragement, and relentless hustle make her a leader her teammates can trust in any situation. When facing adversity, she digs in, fights harder, and finds a way forward. Whether it’s facilitating a comeback win or locking down in crunch time, Kayla thrives in the moments that matter most.

I assess that Kayla’s combination of lethal perimeter shooting, quick first step, elite court vision, and relentless competitiveness gives her the ability to instantly elevate a college program’s offense while providing defensive toughness on the other end. Her leadership, poise under pressure, and proven success against top competition make her a future difference-maker at the next level.

With her skill set, confidence, and unwavering faith as her foundation, Kayla is built for the D1 stage and has the potential to excel every step of the way, getting there. Expect her to keep evolving her scoring versatility, strength, and leadership, continuing to validate her place among the best, and leaving her mark far beyond high school. Stay tuned.