Haley committed to Fort Hays State University her Junior Year of High School for volleyball. She loved that the school was in a college town and had a volleyball team. Haley particularly loved the team because of the head coach. As a college athlete, when you sign with a school, you sign your life away. Knowing this, she wanted to pick a coach she felt understood her and could help her develop as a volleyball player. Then, one month before her graduation date, she received news that the head coach was leaving her program. 

The Email

Haley was overwhelmed with questions. What if the new coach doesn't like her? What if she doesn't like the new coach? She felt confused and unsure if her choice to go to Fort Hays was still the right choice. With only a few weeks left in the semester, she had no time to look at different schools and programs. Haley sent an email to the athletic department explaining her worries. The department reassured her, writing, “if you are committed to Fort Hays, Fort Hays is committed to you.” This response was the exact thing Haley needed! She took a chance on the new coach and felt reassured that attending the university, and athletic program, was the right choice for her. 

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Someone's Always Watching

A few weeks later Haley was playing with her club volleyball team at a National Qualifier. On the first day, her team played a match against a far more advanced team – who ended up winning the entire tournament. Her team did not play well and they ended up losing the match. After the match, Haley's new coach approached her. Haley was baffled at the fact that she had just watched what was arguably her worst match of the tournament. Seeing that this was the only time her new coach had ever watched her play, and the fact that she was not recruited by her, Haley was worried for the upcoming season with Fort Hays. 

Related: How to Create a Volleyball Highlight Video Coaches Will Notice

The Meeting

Within the first few weeks of the new season, Haley's coach pulled her into her office and offered Haley a new deal with the team. Her coach wanted to make her a redshirt, which means she was not going to play at all her first year. This would then qualify her sports scholarship eligibility to carry over into a fifth year allowing Haley to compete one more year if  she wanted to pursue a Master's Degree. Haley wasn't thrilled with the idea, but she accepted the new offer. Haley was making the best of her new situation and remained excited for the chance to be on the team.

The Beginning Of The End

After accepting the new deal Haley's coach began treating her like she was a team manager. Haley would practice with the team for a few hours and then by the end of practice her coach would make her take stats, grab balls, run drills, and carry the cooler. The coach rarely looked at Haley while she practiced, making Haley feel invisible. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

The Final Straw

The team ended up losing that year and ultimately the coach had to cut players. College sports is business. When a coach has a losing season multiple times their job is at risk so they will do what they need to do. Out of the 27 girls who were on the team, 12 girls were cut – Haley included. Haley was upset because she felt like she was never given a real chance! Her coach judged her off of one bad game and never allowed her the opportunity to showcase her volleyball skills. Haley was fed empty promises from the athletic department and university. 

She's No Quitter

Haley didn't want this to be how her volleyball career ended. She was determined to find a new program, and school, that she would love! Haley decided to transfer. Haley found Dominican University of California and fell in love with the coach, campus, and state. She felt wanted and valued by the coach, something her previous coach was unable to give her. Haley says she can't imagine living anywhere else in the world. She is so happy with her decision to transfer, stating “it was a blessing in disguise.” Now a college graduate, Haley plans to move to San Francisco and pursue marketing and graphic design!

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* Originally published on July 12, 2022, by Matthew Reichen