Coach Nelson on Kayla Dunlap…Over the offseason, we asked Kayla to build on her impressive freshman campaign, and we think she has put herself in position to do just that. She’s always had the mentality to be a shutdown blocker, but now her eyes and technique match her intent. Physically stronger than ever, we believe Kayla’s offensive game is ready to take another step this fall as she continues to mature as a middle.
Academic Honors
• 2025 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll
As a Freshman (2025)
• Saw match action in 92 sets
• Ranked second on the team in blocks with 67, averaging .73 per set
• Season-high nine blocks vs. Mizzou
• Made first career start at Cal, recorded 11 kills, five blocks
• Season-high 14 kills, .600 hitting pct. in win over UC Irvine
The Dunlap File
• Enrolled at Vanderbilt early in spring 2025
• Played club volleyball with Tennessee Performance
• 2023 District 10-AAA All-District honorable mention
• 2023 District 10-AAA all-tournament team
• 2022 District 11 All-District honorable mention
• Honor Roll throughout high school
Personal
• Grandfather, King Dunlap IV, played football at Tennessee State
• Grandmother, Robin, was on the track and field team at TSU
• Father, King Dunlap V, played football at Auburn
• Mother, Kenya Wyatt, played volleyball at Alabama State
Why Vanderbilt?
I never thought about staying in state for college. Russ, Lauren and Anders helped me realize that having my family close after moving around meant the world to me. They instantly connected with me. I planned on a school with challenging academics. Nashville is home, and it always will be.
Kayla’s Essentials
Favorite Nashville food spot: Pancake Pantry
Favorite spot on campus: Alumni Lawn
First song on aux: Love by Keisha Cole