Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jayla Griffin

Jayla Griffin was a new kid on the block for Cardinal Mooney girls basketball in 2025-26. She transferred from Bloomingdale High in Valrico after helping the Bulls to the 2025 FHSAA Class 6A state title. She ultimately led the Cougars with 15.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. The rising senior guard holds NCAA Division I offers from Florida Atlantic, Northern Kentucky, North Florida, Bradley, Delaware State, Hampton University and Florida A&M. Griffin, who added the Rattlers to that list May 21, is the Sarasota Athlete of the Week.

How are you feeling about your recruitment?

I'm taking three official visits pretty soon. I haven't made up (my mind on) exactly where I'm going yet, but I'm going to take those visits. I plan to commit soon — late July or early August.

How would you reflect on your junior season?

It was a good season. With all the coaching changes and all the adversity we went through, we did pretty well. We made it pretty far considering what we had to go through.

What do you think of your new coach, Amanda Boswell?

I've met with her, and we've talked a couple times. She's a really good coach. I know she has a really good background and history with coaching, so I'm excited to play under her and see how far we can make it.

What are your goals for your senior season?

(I want to) beat myself last year. I was basically leading the team in a lot, but I just want to take it higher, take it to another level and see how far I can really go — push myself.

How do you want to improve your game this summer?

My biggest thing would be my 3-point shooting. I mostly go downhill or mid-range. I just really want to improve that so I'm really set when I go to college.

When and why did you start playing basketball?

My mom (Kenesha Andrews), she would always put me and my sister in sports. I played soccer, my shoe flew off, I got embarrassed and I just stuck to basketball.

After all these years, why have you stuck with the sport?

It can take you far in life. You meet a lot of people and you can build a lot of connections through it. It's a really good way to just put yourself out there and get exposed to people.

What quote or piece of advice have you always carried with you?

"Your time is coming." Patience is a really big thing in sports. A lot of people get (college) offers at different ages for different reasons, honestly — height, size, whatever it could be. But don't compare yourself to other people, because your time is coming.

What's a fun fact about you not many people know?

I love scary movies. I don't really think it's that scary, but my favorite movie is "Get Out."

Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?

Kevin Durant. When I was younger, I was projected to be way taller than what I am now. I just always looked up to him and the way he plays, and I have length like him.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would you go and why?

I'd go to Japan, just because I've already lived there (in third grade and fifth grade). I loved it a lot, so I definitely would like to go back.

Finish this sentence. Jayla Griffin is...

Resilient.