4 minute read
‘Setting’ a new StandaRd
TexAnn volleyball standout Hailey Roberts is ‘killing’ it on and off the court
b y M A ry g . S A lTA r E lli
tarleton all-star volleyball player Hailey Roberts comes by her competitiveness naturally. With a grandfather who played catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and a mom and uncle who set high school track-andfield records, Hailey’s genetic makeup is an athlete’s dream.
But physical gifts alone didn’t make Roberts a college champ. Her lifelong drive, dedication and work ethic gave a big assist.
“I’ve proved to myself and others that I work hard to be the best of the best,” Roberts said. “I’m not just naturally blessed.”
After her sophomore season, the American Volleyball Coaches Association honored Roberts as one of the nation’s best players by selecting her as a first-team All-American, and the NCAA crowned her Division II Statistical Champion for her 6.57 points and 5.69 kills per set.
“Kills” are offensive attacks that result in immediate points, and Roberts achieved a record 728 of them. Her skills on the court helped the TexAnns become Tarleton’s first volleyball Lone Star Conference champions with their 15-1 season league record in 2015.
But these accomplishments almost didn’t happen at Tarleton. Like most of her fellow club team players, Roberts originally committed to an East Coast Division I college. When
those plans fell through, Tarleton reached out to Roberts with an offer to play as a TexAnn.
“I love Tarleton, it’s so homey, and all of its traditions are awesome,” Roberts said. “Our team is very close—we’re best friends—and we marvel at the fan support we get here. If you’re an athlete at Tarleton, everyone knows who you are and appreciates your efforts. I think it would’ve been a bit different playing at a big school.”
The daughter of a single mom, Roberts grew up with her brother in Cedar Park near Austin where she began her athletic career at a young age. Excelling at baseball as a pitcher and shortstop as a 9-year-old, she was recruited by the McKinney Longhorns. When their season culminated with a Little League World Series title in Kansas, officials honored Roberts as offensive player of the tournament.
After baseball, Roberts played with Lonestar Soccer Club in Austin, which won state titles four years straight. She became a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do and participated in track and cross country. In middle school, Roberts participated in four sports simultaneously. She tried volleyball, but settled on basketball as her favorite. When her high school basketball coach discouraged her from playing volleyball, Roberts focused on it instead, since it was the new sport in her life.
“I’ve always been super competitive,” Roberts said. “I’ve played sports my entire life, with boys and girls. Sometimes, I’m too competitive, because I can’t stand losing.”
Being 6 feet tall makes Roberts an ideal outside hitter. She strives to be a reliable, aggressive player, and said her teammates are very supportive of her achievements.
“They rely on me and trust me,” Roberts said. “And my recognitions and awards help me when I’m down. I realize there’s potential for the future when I see what I’ve already accomplished.”
A record 3,100 kill attempts during her first two seasons have taken a toll on her right shoulder, resulting in off-season surgeries. Roberts is now rehabilitating her shoulder for her junior season. Roberts said therapy is tough—mentally and physically—but she’s working hard and looking forward. “I know my level of play depends upon the effort I put into rehab and how much I rebuild my strength,” Roberts said. “My family, teammates, coach and boyfriend give me incredible support and help keep me stable, so I’ve built up enough confidence to not worry about my health in the future.”
Determination and perseverance have led to past successes and a bright future for Roberts, and she gives credit and thanks to her mother, Erin Roberts.
“My mom is my inspiration—my best friend—and the reason why I do it all,” Roberts said. “Everything she helped me do as a child is now paying off.”
Her motivation isn’t all about athletics. Roberts is studying for her bachelor’s in kinesiology and plans to pursue her master’s at Tarleton, followed by work in the sports field. Roberts made the Dean’s List the last two years, and the university honored her as an Athlete Committed to Education, which requires her to maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
“I have to get good grades,” Roberts said. “I just have to be on top of every aspect of my life. I know it will pay off in the future and that keeps me focused on academics.”
Her future includes trying out in February for the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team and, if she makes it, playing matches around the world next summer and after college. Her hopes and dreams soar higher—to one day play for the U.S. Olympic Team.
“It’s everything I’ve worked for since I can remember,” Roberts said. “It would mean I reached the pinnacle of athletic skill that I’ve been working on for so long.”
