Randall told the seven players there that night how much influence they would have on the kids and how much it would mean to them to have positive role models.
"Just the stories that he's told us of [have been heart-wrenching]," senior captain Lacey Laycock said. "He got real emotional."
Knowing that is enough for Laycock to keep coming back.
Over the summer Laycock, the starting setter for the Knights, was inspired by a friend who went to an orphanage in Romania as a part of the Global Volunteers international service program. She wanted to go but had volleyball tournaments and camps she didn't want to miss. Still, she didn't want that to keep her from making a difference.
"She said, "Mom, I really, really want to do something. Will you help me?" her mother Lisa said.
Finally, Laycock found the Children's Center and decided that was what she wanted to dedicate her time to. But she didn't want to do it alone. Laycock used her role as a captain to get her teammates to do the service project with her.
"We talked to the JV and Varsity and they were so excited to do it," Laycock said. "We play with the kids and teach them how to play volleyball. It's just really opened my eyes to see how these kids, how much they've gone through in their lives. One person can make a difference. "
The team will go to the center every Saturday they don't have a tournament. Now, Laycock wants other teams to find a cause of their own. The Lone Peak team has challenged other volleyball teams to serve their community, as well. The challenge is called "Serve Strong On and Off the Court."
For the Rocky Mountain Classic tournament last weekend that Lone Peak co-hosted, Laycock, with the help of her mother and aunt, made fliers and posted them everywhere the visiting teams would see them.
The Knights have gotten positive feedback. Both Cottonwood and North Sanpete have talked to Lone Peak about performing service acts of their own.
"They are so busy with academics and other things but they still find the time to help people," said Lone Peak head coach Deanna Meyer. "This is something everybody on our team jumped behind. It's inspiring to me as a coach."
Wanting to help people has always been a part of Laycock's personality. After all, it is an example her parents have set for her. Her parents started a program called "Warm hands, warm hearts," where they collect gloves and give them to the homeless shelter in Salt Lake City.
"It's a small thing but a really neat experience," Laycock said. "Starting that program has been such an inspiring thing."
Even though the challenge to other teams will end after the volleyball season, Laycock looks forward to continuing her visits at the Children's Center long after the state tournament.
"I definitely think I will get attached. Just seeing those kids, it will be so hard to leave," Laycock said. "But this whole thing has just taught me that one person can come in and affect so many people. It's amazing."
-- mthach@sltrib.com
