TAMPA - Head Coach Claire Lessinger and the University of South Florida volleyball team have signed local product Kayla Walton to an NCAA Letter of Intent for the 2010 season.

"Kayla was meant to be a Bull.  We have had our eye on her a long time recognizing that she was a perfect fit at USF," said Lessinger. "She has a lot of qualities that excite a coach at the next level.  Kayla has size, athleticism, ball control and versatility which will make her a dominant force for the 2010 squad.  She is passionate about the game of volleyball and committed to her development.  I foresee a very a successful career for Kayla in a Bulls uniform and can't wait to get her here."

Walton, out of Northside Christian in St. Petersburg, Fla., competed at the 2009 Junior Olympics, earning a spot on the U-17 American Gold All Tournament Team. Walton has also participated in the AAU Nationals the last three years in club play, while also starting for Northside all four years, leading her team to the 2009 Bay Conference Title and the 2007 and '09 District Championships.

Walton has played against top competition on the women's junior international level as a member of the HP USA Youth BLUE Team in the USAV High Performance Program.

Named to the St. Petersburg Times All-County Second Team as a sophomore - the only sophomore to be named - Walton missed most of her junior year due to injury before returning to lead Northside in kills her senior year while serving as a team captain.

Walton has succeeded in the classroom, as she carries a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society and has worked with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee at Northside.

In addition to volleyball, Walton is an accomplished player on the basketball court, earning All-County Honorable Mention in both her freshman and sophomore seasons and starting on the varsity team for Northside beginning in eighth grade.