Hailey Hansen is a graduating senior from West Central Area High School in Barrett. Hailey was involved in the softball program every year since seventh grade at WCA.
“When I was in seventh grade our varsity team had very few wins,” recalled Hansen. “I’ve played together with my classmates on varsity since eighth grade and the program has turned around completely. We went from not even hosting a first round playoff game to placing third in the section and then placing second in the section twice. Also a fun memory I’ll never forget is hitting back-to-back over the fence home runs with Ireland Winter in the playoffs last year.”
“Hailey Hansen has been starting third baseman for the past three seasons,” commented WCA Head Coach William Aufdenkamp. “She is a team leader and I am really disappointed for all of the seniors that they were unable to perform. It would have been a good season. Hailey is very coachable and is a team leader when it comes to doing the drills and work necessary to get better. She is a better than average hitter and her defensive skills are top notch. She will be playing softball next season at Northwestern College in St. Paul and will do an admirable job for them. I am truly sorry to see her move on but that is the beast of high school coaching.”
Hansen will be attending the University of Northwestern in St. Paul where she will be majoring in Elementary Education. She is also going to play softball at the collegiate level. Her favorite high school subjects have been Math and Spanish.
“Being involved in sports has taught me the true definition of teamwork and friendship,” added Hansen. “I will forever love the game of softball and the lessons it has taught me throughout my years of playing. Up until the announcement of cancellation of both my senior year and softball season, I was very hopeful. I have been exercising and working hard at my school work, and I’m excited to play softball and continue my education for the next four years at UNW.”
Advice to underclassmen: “Don’t take any practice, game, bus ride, or team huddle for granted. You never know when it could be your last.”
