I believe a person, a student and an athlete are only as good as what others see in you. I can say all I want and dream all I want of the school I want to further my education and my soccer career, but ultimately, it is not in my hands. I will work hard every day to be the best person I can be, the best student I can be, the best teammate I can be, the best soccer player I can be, and the best daughter I can be, but a school and coach have to want me to complete the circle! My search for the opportunity has begun. It my hope to make a college coach a genius!
I hope some of the comments below from club, ODP and HS soccer coaches, my teachers, trainers, and administrators, I have enjoyed working with in my career, can shed some light on who I am - in their words. I cannot say how much I appreciate their kind words.
“Hailee is a player who has the X-factor most coaches are looking for. She is at an elite level in terms of skill and athleticism. She dominates games when needed. But above any of that, Hailee is the most clutch player I have ever coached. As the games and moments get bigger, she gets better, and more determined. I coached Hailee for 2 years in club. Over that time she had a number of key goals and assists in key games, including the winning goal in overtime of a National Championship. If you are looking for a player that loves the spotlight and can make a difference in a big game, Hailee is the player for you.”
— James Oppenheimer
Dakota Alliance Club Girls’ Soccer Coach (2006s), Dakota Alliance Director of Business Operations, Sioux Falls City FC (WPSL) Director of Player Personnel
“Hailee is the type of player that any coach would enjoy coaching. Her work rate is second to none as she attends every soccer opportunity and is always looking for ways to improve her technical and tactical ability. She is a game changer on the field due to her speed, athleticism, winning the ball out of the air, ability to strike a ball, take players 1v1, and simply outwork those around her. This has helped her team reach new heights and compete against some of the best teams in the region.”
— Aric Spader
Dakota Alliance Club Girls’ Soccer Coach (2005s), Dakota (SD/ND) ODP Girls’ Soccer Coach,
Former Assistant Coach - NCAA D2 Womens’ Soccer Team
“Hailee is a very driven and motivated player who looks to improve herself as well as those around her. She is extremely coachable and wants to grow her knowledge of the game by any means available. Hailee is the type of a player whose work ethic and character sets her apart from others and can elevate any program or team she is a part of. Her tactical knowledge of the game accompanied with her technical skills are what made her one of the best girls in the North and South Dakota ODP programs. It is also what earned her a spot on the Midwest Region ODP team at Interregionals in Florida twice and the chance to play in Iceland. Hailee is a true asset to any team as she is not only coachable but also a great teammate.”
— Jason Wear
Dakota Alliance Club Boys’ Soccer Coach (2004s), Former Dakota (SD/ND) ODP Administrator,
Assistant Administrator - Midwest Region ODP, Coach - Midwest Region ODP, USSF/SDHSAA/NISOA Soccer Referee
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Hailee during her recovery of ACL reconstruction. I have worked with many, many athletes over the last 30+ years and through this process you learn a lot about an athlete’s mental and physical toughness. It’s a long hard, and many times, very difficult process, both mentally and physically. Through this process, I was able to watch a young, talented athlete grow into a physically and mentally tough young lady, who overcame and made the best of a bad situation. I have never been more proud of the hard work she put in and her ability to overcome some of the tough challenges of this process.”
— Brad Pfeifle, MS, ATC
VP, Sports Medicine & Rehab Services - Orthopedic Institute
“Hailee is one of the smartest, hardest working and most coachable players I have ever coached and coached against. Nobody works harder than she does. Nobody wants to be the best they can be more than she does. I enjoyed coaching her and watching her play immensely. Her soccer IQ and physical attributes with and without the ball are off the charts. The best part about her though, is she is an exceptionally great kid. She is the perfect player to build a winning team and program around.”
— Chris Murray
Former Head Coach Girls’ Soccer Coach (2006s) - Tempo Soccer Club
“Hailee embodies all the traits that lend to a student/athlete’s success at the collegiate level. She puts her academic pursuits at the top of her priority list and excels in the classroom with hard work and dedication. On the field of play, her competitive spirit, team-first mentality and work ethic are second to none. Hailee will make the most of any opportunity she receives.”
— Jim Altenburg
Harrisburg School District Athletic Director, Former Superintendent,
Former High School Basketball Coach
“Hailee is a dedicated, hard working, and goal-orientated athlete. I’ve had the pleasure of training Hailee for the past four years in both a 1-on-1 and group training setting. Her ability to focus, learn, and apply what is asked of her is excellent. In a group setting, Hailee excels in helping those around her to be their best, while also leading by example. I am excited to continue to be a part of Hailee’s journey to the next level, wherever she lands, she will be a great asset to the program.”
— Allie Daly
Performance Manager - Orthopedic Institute Performance, Former D1 Softball Player
“Hailee is a self-motivated and focused athlete. We have had her in class and as an athlete for the past 2 years. From day one, she has had a determination to be the best. This was obvious to observe as she has been a cornerstone of our programs since the very beginning of high school. She has led as a player on the field and also as a teammate and coach as she rehabbed her knee. In each instance, Hailee understands the commitment it takes to be elite, and the process it takes to achieve goals. Skills can be taught, but the toughness and mindset to become the best is what sets Hailee apart from her peers.”
— Scott Langerock
Harrisburg High School Wellness/PE Teacher, Head Coach - HS Boys Basketball,
Assistant Coach - HS Track
“Hailee is an exceptional athlete, respectful teammate, and disciplined leader. Her passion for soccer is evident through her determined work ethic and constant desire to master the game. She both challenges and encourages her teammates to be their best as she leads by example both on and off the field”
— Stacia Rawhouser
Harrisburg High School Communication Arts Teacher, Assistant Coach - Girls’ Soccer,
Former D1 Track Athlete & Cheerleader
“I’ve gotten to know Hailee both as my student and as a member of HOSA. In both of these contexts, she shows herself to be thoughtful, committed, and driven to achieve success to the best of her ability. ”
— Andrew Koch
Harrisburg High School Science Teacher, Project Lead the Way Instructor,
HOSA Co-Advisor
“One thing that stuck out immediately when I watched you play was your ability to strike a ball. You hit it really well and hard with your left foot. That is pretty useful for teams when someone can use both feet like you can. You have the ability to keep the ball at your feet and play with composure. That is a must for me when it comes to attacking players and trying to move this program to the next level.”
— D1 Coach’s Feedback at a College Camp
“I have never seen a girl strike the ball with as much power as you and with both feet. Keep it up.”
— D1 Coach’s Feedback at a College Camp