San Diego’s Pro Volleyball Federation team, the Mojo, made its local debut in 2024.
One season later, Bird Rock native and middle blocker Leyla Blackwell is helping her hometown squad bring excitement to its home games at Viejas Arena, while also hoping the team returns to the playoffs and brings a championship title to San Diego.
“Our Mojo games are electric,” Blackwell said. “For those unfamiliar with volleyball, it is one of those sports that constantly has a buildup of energy and momentum. With our fans, we have some really exciting high-intensity matches that are not only fun for us to play in, but are also extremely fun to watch.”
Blackwell was selected by the Mojo from the University of Nebraska after she assisted the Cornhuskers in advancing to the 2024 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four.
Before transferring to Nebraska, she was a three-time West Coast Conference first-team honoree at the University of San Diego, helping the Toreros to the 2022 semifinals of the NCAA volleyball tournament and the first NCAA Final Four appearance for USD.
Blackwell grew up in the Bird Rock community and her family still lives there.
“I have spent a lot of time in La Jolla, and we love to the local businesses here,” Blackwell said. “Bird Rock is a really laid-back, community-centered part of La Jolla.”
For The San Diego Union-Tribune’s series where locals share their favorite places in their city or community, Blackwell selected to spotlight these neighboring areas.
“Bird Rock and La Jolla are classic Southern California beach communities,” she said. “Bird Rock is a quiet, family-friendly surf community that values its local businesses, as well as the beautiful beaches just blocks away. I think getting to spend time in La Jolla or in Bird Rock feels like a getaway from busy life. There is great shopping and local restaurants and businesses to explore.”
Q: Where is your favorite dining option?
A: “For a more upscale dinner and drinks, Paradisaea is the best spot. Everything on the menu is made with the highest quality ingredients and highest intentionality, along with a great coastal vibe with the restaurant being just blocks up from the water. For breakfast and lunch, Wayfarer Bread is the best spot in maybe all of San Diego. They have an amazing staff as well as the best pastries and sandwiches.”
Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to ?
A: “My favorite local shop is Bird Rock Surf Shop! They have a great selection of all things surf and swim, as well as great clothing and gift options. They also have a small cafe within the shop that makes the best smoothies and sandwiches, perfect for after a day at the beach.”
Q: Where is your favorite open space?
A: “I love hanging out with friends at Cuvier Park near the wedding bowl. There is truly no better view!”
Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?
A: “Walking around the shops and restaurants in La Jolla, there are plenty of beautiful and insanely creative murals to explore.”
Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?
A: “My favorite daytime activity would be a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (San Diego). The installations, combined with the views, make this one of the most spectacular art museums in San Diego.”
