Hayden Pore - Welcoming Great Expectations

Kannapolis, NC

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Hayden Pore

At her core, she is an athlete.

Hayden Pore is someone who you can count on to make your day better with a smile or laugh. She’s not judgemental and is known to be quite honest. Hayden says her favorite thing about herself is not being afraid to try new things because her mindset is always set on succeeding, even when doing things she doesn’t always enjoy.

Hayden is a member of the A.L. Brown High School Volleyball team. Her athletic career can easily be described as having a genuine and authentic commitment. She says, “Going from practice to practice on top of school academics is challenging, but it can also be easy at times. My drive, love, and effort for my success make it easy. I appreciate all the sacrifices that I have made to achieve all my goals and accomplishments on and off the court. I believe having commitment is more than sports; it’s for everything in life. I feel that if I want something bad enough, I will work at it and not give up on it.”

Some of her athletic accomplishments include making the AAU Volleyball Team at Queen City Starlings, for the 23-24 season, Track & Field MVP of field events for A.L. Brown High School Spring 2024 season, and Defensive Player of the Year for volleyball during the 22-23 season at A.L. Brown. Academically, she has maintained an unweighted G.P.A. of 3.5, received a nomination for Governor’s School for dance during the 23-24 school year, was invited during 23-24 to apply for the National Honors Society, inducted into the Beta’s Honor Society during the 22-23 school, and accepted into the Nurse Aide program at Rowan Cabarrus Community College for the 24-25 school year. She has done a lot.

Hayden says what she loves most about sports is the ability to compete against all types of people with different skill levels. She says, “I enjoy the opportunity to improve my skills when I come up against a more challenging opponent. Belonging to a team is awesome because there is a group of people working towards the same goal and encouraging each other to achieve it. It is bigger than you, and it feels good to be a part of something bigger than just one person.”

Hayden also loves to dance, something she says allows her to take control of her emotions and display it for others to see. She explains that dance is art and as a dancer, she is given the opportunity to be a creator. “I create emotion, the mood, and I can even create a whole atmosphere. This created atmosphere is taking the initiative on how I see myself without anyone trying to control my output of the world I live in. It helps me give a perspective to an audience with many interpretations. I can tell a story through movement. This inspires me to be creative and to always be open to new perspectives of life while being in control of my actions.”

There are two people who’ve had a direct impact on the trajectory of Hayden’s young life: her mom and her Aunt Sharon. Hayden says they are both strong women from two different backgrounds who managed to be the best role models for anyone who watches them. She says they have amazing attributes, but most importantly, they are Godly women and persevere. She describes her role models as two loving, smart, impactful members of their community. Additionally, they are hard workers, strong, and beautiful. “These women impacted my life with their good intentions and the efforts they put into me and my family. I love them both so much,” Hayden says.

Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it really is good, so take your time to observe and listen to those wiser than you. Sometimes, you might lose friends, but the ones that stick are purposeful.

There are two people who’ve had a direct impact on the trajectory of Hayden’s young life: her mom and her Aunt Sharon. Hayden says they are both strong women from two different backgrounds who managed to be the best role models for anyone who watches them. She says they have amazing attributes, but most importantly, they are Godly women and persevere. She describes her role models as two loving, smart, impactful members of their community. Additionally, they are hard workers, strong, and beautiful. “These women impacted my life with their good intentions and the efforts they put into me and my family. I love them both so much,” Hayden says.

The advice Hayden offers to other athletes who may follow in her footsteps is to surround themselves with a positive village, try it, and if it doesn’t work out at first, try again; be a good friend to attract good friends. She also shares, “Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it really is good, so take your time to observe and listen to those wiser than you. Sometimes, you might lose friends, but the ones that stick are purposeful; encourage yourself and others too; love yourself and remember Jesus in all things and let Him guide you. When you get off track, He will redirect.”

Moving forward, Hayden plans to successfully complete her last year of high school and graduate with honors. “I used to dream of my senior year, and now it’s here,” she says. Next, she hopes to be a collegiate athlete in her primary sport, volleyball. However, she loves track and field and disc throwing. Additionally, her future looks like she’ll be visiting colleges and universities, hoping to be recruited. She also plans to major in public and health service. “I love helping others and see myself in a field that matches that love.”