A three-sport athlete for the Waupaca Comets, Hailey Bechard has been a standout in three sports in her career, including a three-time all-North Eastern member in basketball and softball, as well as being a part of the 2025 Waupaca volleyball team that made the trip to state.
Hailey began playing organized sports at the age of four, and her mother was there to guide her. “Growing up, she coached many sports at the varsity level, and I always wanted to participate. I would beg her to rebound for me or play catch in the yard.”
Each sport has provided something different to Hailey throughout her high school career. “My favorite part of basketball is the pace of the game and the competitive environment. I love the adrenaline that comes with the big moments and the clutch shots.
My favorite part of softball is the energy and atmosphere that the sport brings. I love the team culture and playing with my best friends. There is no better feeling than stepping into the batter’s box.
My favorite part of volleyball was definitely the team and the friendships that have come out of it. I also loved the celebration after each point and pushing my teammates around after big plays.
Sports have been all I have ever known, teaching me lessons and surrounding me with incredible people. I have stuck with them all of my life because of the memories and the moments I will never forget. Sports have been a constant in my life and have always been my escape.”
As a multi-sport athlete, Hailey has accrued teammates and coaches she leans on. “Coach “Pmix” has coached me in basketball and softball and has always been there for me. She treated me as a human being, not just an athlete. We are very alike, and she pushes me to be my best.
“Coach Newby has coached me in travel softball through Plover Fastpitch and has taught me the importance of discipline and perseverance. He has never failed to make me laugh or get thrown out of a game.”
“Coach Scherrer has been my basketball coach for the last two years and has always believed in me. He has had my back through every up and down and always strived to make me better.”
“Coach Liz was my volleyball coach throughout high school. She taught me life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. She made practices fun and helped me find my love for volleyball.”
“Coach Mondello has been my basketball coach since the third grade and has never failed to check in on me. In a way, he is like a second father. He has been there for me in every way possible and has been one of my greatest role models throughout my life.”
“Peyton Carlson was my volleyball teammate and always pushed everyone around her to be better. She is one of the funniest people I have ever met. She was just as competitive as I was, and she always understood me.”
“Macie Studzinski was my softball teammate when I was an underclassman. She took me under her wing, and I looked up to her more than she will ever know.”
Perseverance has been the calling card for Hailey’s basketball career. “I am very hard-working and extremely competitive. I try to overcome adversity and always remain coachable. I also strive to make others around me better.”
Hailey’s determination has made her a career 1,000 point scorer on the hardwood before she entered her senior season; “It really is crazy to think about. As a freshman, I always thought the next four years were going to feel like forever. I was scared to play with the upperclassman and I was much smaller than my opponents. Now, as my senior year counts down– I am so thankful for each lesson learned and every memory made. I have definitely improved on and off the court, and that is a credit to my coaches, teammates, and parents. Each practice, game, win, and loss has shaped me into the athlete and person I am today. I am no longer the worried freshman; instead, I am now the senior taking the underclassmen under my wing while always being a leader to those around me. I am forever grateful to sports for helping me grow physically and mentally. As my time is running out as a high school athlete, I can only wish that time slows down and that I soak in every last second. Because before I know it, this will all just be a memory.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here