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Senior Student Athlete Profile: Hailey Bennett (West Central Area)

By Craig Olson, 05/04/20, 11:00PM CDT

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West Central Area senior Hailey Bennett enjoyed competing in volleyball, basketball and softball for the lady Knights.  As for the classroom, Bennett says Math has always been her favorite subject.

“As for my top sports memories, I don’t know if I can narrow it down to one or two, but my favorite memories would all have to do with my softball team,” shared Bennett.  “With such a fun-loving group of girls and Coach Bill Aufdenkamp, every day was a blast!  We had endless laughs and got a little work done, too.  From teaching our coaches how to floss, to going on runs and playing in freezing weather, we always made it fun. I’ve made countless memories on this team that I’ll cherish forever.”

“Hailey Bennett is a hard working no nonsense young lady when it comes to playing the game,” said Coach Aufdenkamp. “Outside of the white lines she is fun and engaging. She is fast on the bases and has a strong arm. Throws left handed and has some whip on the ball. Hailey is planning to attend Minnesota Moorhead this fall. God has blessed her with talent and she can use it to do some good things. She will be missed.”

Hailey plans to major in Finance at MSUM and is still considering going out for softball.

“Hailey is a person that has been playing varsity basketball for a long time,” said Girls Basketball Coach Eric Schoenbauer.  “She is literally the last one out of the gym 80% of the time.  She practices harder than most players play in games and she loves game time.  She is an integral part of what our team was able to accomplish the past few years.”

“Through sports, I have met amazing people, made new friendships and strengthened old ones,” noted Bennett.  “I have also learned many life lessons, and so much more.  This spring has been difficult as our softball team saw this season as ‘our year’.  We set some high goals for the season and we were prepared to achieve them.  This was definitely a plot twist!  After just one week of practicing, our season ended.  I have been playing sports ever since I can remember, so it has definitely been different.  I have been playing a little softball with my family and I’m doing my best to stay active.”

“There is nobody who will outwork Hailey. She gives 110% all of the time!,” exclaimed Head Volleyball Coach Missy Foslien.  “This year Hailey was a setter and a hitter for the Knights Volleyball Team.  As a lefty she could easily throw off the competition with her athleticism.  She was a wonderful leader and captain.  Hailey was always willing to try new defenses or to switch from outside hitter to right side if needed.   If you know Hailey, she is quiet, but that doesn't mean she isn't a fierce competitor!  Hailey will be missed next season in our program.  She has been present on the varsity court or out in the field for many years as a three sport athlete.  I wish her the best and am very sad to not see her finish her senior year out on the pitching mound!”

“The advice I would give to underclassmen is to cherish every moment,” said Bennett.  “Don’t take your time spent with classmates and teammates for granted.  Your graduation will come faster than you think.”