Hayley Spelman

Which sport do you play?  Volleyball
 
What school do you attend?  Durango High School

How long have you competed and what motivated you to get involved in your sport?  
I’ve competed in volleyball for two years now.  I used to play tennis but was motivated to play volleyball because it is more of a team sport which I like.
 
What do you like most about your sport?  I like the amazing rallies that happen in our games!

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV and why?  I like to watch college volleyball and pro tennis matches because they are fast moving and exciting to watch.

Who is your favorite athlete or person you draw inspiration from? Why do you draw inspiration from this person? I draw inspiration from Roger Federer because he is a perfectionist and works hard every match. He is also very classy whether he wins or loses!

Do you think that being an athlete helps or hinders you with your academic studies?
My GPA is 4.0 right now and I’m trying hard to keep it there. I have to study a lot to have good grades but it will pay off when I apply to universities. It definitely is challenging at times but keeping up your grades and playing a sport is what separates you from the rest.

What is the biggest challenge for a student/athlete? 
My biggest challenge is finding time to succeed on the court and in the classroom. We practice or play six days a week so I pretty much study the rest of the time and try to find time to sleep too!

Do you plan on pursuing your sport at the college level? Yes.

Please list any accomplishments you are proud of achieving in your sport:
I was selected for several USA Volleyball High Performance camps including the 2006 Youth National A2 Camp (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), the 2006 USA Holiday Camp (Pomona, CA), and the 2007 Youth National A2 Camp (Ft. Lauderdale, FL).  I also made Prep Athlete of the Week in September 2007 in the Review Journal which was cool. 

**Fun Questions**
Do you have a favorite saying?  Snaps!
What is your favorite food?  Sushi
Favorite show on TV?  CSI
Favorite movie?   The Breakfast Club, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Any other comments that you think may be necessary for this questionnaire?
Our coaches, Bob Kelly and Kelly O’Quinn, inspire me to do my best everyday. They are tough coaches but if we try hard and do what they are telling us, we do get better. And now all of our hard work is paying off. I am so thankful for my awesome coaches and teammates!  I am just one person on a great TEAM and WE are working hard to get to the state championships. GO BLAZERS!