Sophomore middle blocker Haley Hahn is making strides in her athletic career.
Statistics say a lot and that is what landed Hahn the RMAC defender of the week award on Feb. 23, 2021.
“Haley has had a great year. Defensive Player of the Week – WOW! – and good attacking numbers. I am not surprised. She has put in the work and cares a lot about our team and what she can do to make us successful,” Head Coach Dave Fleming said.
Hahn has come into this season with an urge to win. This season she has shown her athleticism on both defense and offense positions. Her statistics include a total of 24 assisted blocks and 36 kills.
“I was really surprised and proud to see my success didn’t go unnoticed. I am new to seeing the court this year, so that gives me a little more confidence in my ability to play well at this level. It makes me look forward to the next years to come,” Hahn said.
Her statistics rose by more than double in almost every area. Her work in the weightroom and during practice has reflected well on the court.
Tripling her assisted blocks and doubling her kills, Hahns’ statistics from the previous season included 6 assisted blocks and 11 kills.
Hahn is 5’10, which as a middle blocker is still considered to be short. This makes her movement decisions very important. Depending on the movement choice, it can save time and be the difference between a block and a missed ball.
Fleming discussed how Hahn was originally to be recruited for the right side position, yet her fast ability to move from right to left and a quick and accurate arm swing placed her in a better position for middle blocker.
Senior setter Ara Norwood explained how Hahns’ effort motivates her to not only be better for herself but for her team.
“Haley motivates me because of how much she works to be fast and be better at all the movements she does on the court. She also has put so much work into being a better defensive player at the net, and seeing how her work has really helped the team is very motivating for me to work just as hard,” Norwood said.
Hahn explained how being great at her position isn’t only based on her work ethic. It is also based on the relationship she builds with her setters and co-blockers.
“Communication and taking the time to break down an issue in practice helps us all walk into games knowing that we can trust one another to work together,” Hahn said.
Volleyball is more reliant on communication then other sports often are. The Mavericks are working hard on their communication and other important qualities. Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is currently placed first on the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) leaderboard.
“We spent a lot of time practicing all of fall and came back a month early before competition started to do a long stretch of two a day practices, and to know that our hard work is paying off is exciting,” Hahn said.
Practice is what makes the team run. Individuality is an equally important aspect. Haley has put forth her effort to allow the team to run in a better manner.
Hahn explained how her team plays a valuable role in her growth as an athlete. Hahn has meant many new people, which pushed her to be confident socially. Volleyball has also pushed her into being more confident in her athletic abilities.
