As the person behind Rec Sports Aquatics’ busiest days, Layton Morris ’25 has become a go-to problem solver for swim meets, setup changes and the unexpected challenges that surface along the way.

Morris, an electronic systems engineering technology major from Willis, Texas, has worked for Rec Sports since October 2021. As an aquatics supervisor, Morris oversees swim and dive meets, coordinates event setups and helps maintain timing equipment — responsibilities he earned after advancing from his first role as an aquatic worker. 

“I think being friendly and getting along with everyone goes a long way,” he said. “The knowledge comes with time, but being a familiar face that people can trust is what really matters.”

That trust is especially important in Aquatics, where student staff turnover each semester means new employees often learn on the fly. Supporting student staff through that learning curve has become one of his favorite parts of the job.

“There are always new faces, and sometimes they don’t know how to do something yet,” he said. “I just try to be uplifting and say, ‘This is how we do it,’ without being critical. You want people to feel supported, not lost.”

His professional staff also rely on that steady presence. Supervisors frequently tap Morris for troubleshooting meet technology, resolving last-minute setup issues or coordinating changes across programs like Sport Clubs and Intramural Sports.

“When they ask me to do something, I want to be able to get it done,” he said. “They count on me to be dependable.”

Coordinating the natatorium’s packed schedule — which serves recreational swimmers, competitive athletes and multiple student groups — often requires quick assessments and compromises.

“A lot of it is figuring out what we can and can’t do,” he said. “If something conflicts, we try to compromise. Maybe this group gets a certain number of lanes and another gets the rest. It’s like a puzzle.”

His composure was tested during one meet when several systems failed simultaneously — a scenario that could rattle even seasoned supervisors.

“We had some catastrophic failures,” Morris said. “I surprised myself with how calm I was. I just focused on diagnosing the problem and fixing it. Rec Sports has definitely helped me learn to keep my cool.”

That growth, he said, has extended well beyond technical skills. Communication and composure are the two skills he expects to take with him after graduating in December and pursuing a career in electrical engineering.

“I communicate with coaches, pro staff, lifeguards, everyone,” he said. “And staying calm under pressure is huge. I’ve learned that here.”

Still, his greatest point of pride is the depth of knowledge he has developed across every role in Aquatics.

“I’ve done pretty much everything — lifeguard, aquatic worker, supervisor,” he said. “I like being the person people can come to with questions and trust that I’ll know the answer.”

When he learned his supervisors had nominated him for this spotlight, he said the recognition meant more than he expected.

“It feels special,” he said. “It means the work I do doesn’t go unnoticed.”

What matters most to him, though, is the impact Aquatics has on the people who use it. Whether it’s a student decompressing after class or an athlete preparing for competition, Morris believes the pool serves a meaningful purpose.

“Swimming gives people an outlet,” he said. “Being part of the team that provides that space feels important.”

And as he looks toward graduation, he hopes the environment he’s helped shape continues long after he leaves.

“I just want that sense of community to stay strong,” he said.

Written by: Claire Frazier