Club: USYS National Champions

Academic Honors: Completed a full IB Diploma… Ranked first in high school class… Awarded a seal of biliteracy in French

Personal: Both parents played soccer at Johns Hopkins University… Spent gap year in Belgium and Finland

3 Questions for Layton
Biggest Soccer Influence? "Honestly, my biggest soccer influence is my dad. Because of him, I grew up with a soccer ball at my feet and a game on the TV. He came to every one of my games he could, and although he always critiqued every little detail afterward, that attention to detail is what really helped me grow as a player. Having been both a player and coach (at JHU and for ODP), I always had complete trust in his judgment. The path he helped me lay out provided me with both first-division professional opportunities and this amazing opportunity at Yale. My father's passion, work, and faith have opened all the doors for me as an aspiring soccer player, and because of that, I don't think anyone will match the impact he has had on me."

Do you have a hero or idol? "Again, I would say that my idol is my dad. He worked so hard to get to where he is today and I truly admire his determination and work ethic. Ever since I was little, I wanted to be like him, starting soccer because of him and becoming interested in my intended major because of him. He has always told me that he 'wants me to be better than him in every way', and that has pushed me to develop in every aspect of my life."

Why Yale? "Since the first time I visited, Yale has just felt like home. After my first conversation with the players, the team seemed like a true brotherhood, and from my first time working with the coaches, I felt a strong mutual respect. Those feelings combined with the impressive athletic performances and elite academics have kept Yale at the top of my recruiting list since I began the process."

Stannard on Layton: "Caleb attended a couple of our camps and showed continuous improvement. He is very strong and will bring important toughness and physicality that our group needs.  He is a versatile defender that can play anywhere across the back line. After taking a gap year and spending time in Finland and Belgium, he is even more prepared for the rigors of Division I soccer."