Haley Dean '18 Recruiting Profile

     Running has been a passion of mine for most of my life. As soon as I started racing competitively, I knew it was the sport I wanted to do in high school and college. What I didn’t know was how much this decision would impact me as an athlete and person. Soon after starting the cross country season freshmen year, my times dropped dramatically and I began to see how running benefited and reflected my behavior. I am a social but quiet person, and running was the only sport I found that allowed me to be completely myself. It gave me the opportunity to be my quiet self when I need to, while still participating in a sport that requires some teamwork. Running also provided me the setting to relax without having to depend on anyone else or have anything asked of me during my runs. The level of comfort and confidence I feel when I am running allows me to push myself easily.

     I thrive on a packed schedule, which is why, in addition to running, I put a lot of focus into academics and extra-curricular activities. I have a very high GPA, and will finish high school with 10 AP classes under my belt. I am involved with the Drama Club and Italian Honors Society at my high school. I also enjoy music; I have played the piano and studied music for the past eleven years, as well as performed in productions with a musical theatre company for the past seven. I love working with children, and currently volunteer at the local elementary school teaching art in classrooms through the "Meet the Masters" program.

     I am interested in colleges that are academically challenging, athletically competitive, and will meet my needs as a student-athlete. I am very enthusiastic about competing on a cross country and track team in college. I know I can contribute commitment, determination, hard work, and a positive attitude to a college running team, while continuing to perform at a very high academic level.