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The Player Behind The Game Spotlight: Hailey Leidel

By R.Simone, 09/18/15, 7:30AM EDT

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Presents…

The Player Behind The Game Spotlight: Hailey Leidel

Some say that Hailey Leidel was a late bloomer. We say she was one of the state’s best kept secrets. After a spectacular junior season, Leidel hit the travel basketball circuit running and making quite a name for herself. A “Jill-of-all-trades”, she is the type of player that will give a little bit of everything on both ends of the court. She is not afraid of contact, and often had multiple bruises to show for it. She is a great teammate and can shoot with the best of them. If teams or coaches didn’t know who she was before they played against her, they definitely knew who she was afterwards. The type of player coaches love to have, Hailey has earned the respect of many, and this week’s LBI “The Player Behind The Game” spotlight honors.

Current High School: I attend Woodhaven High School

What college/university have you committed to?: I chose to continue playing at the University of Massachusetts. (UMass)

What will you major in?: I am currently looking into majoring in Physical Therapy or Psychology

Why did you choose this school?:  I chose UMass because it was the best fit for me. Academically, they’re a great school and have the majors I am pursing. On my visit, I felt extremely comfortable with the campus, coaches, and players. Also, I like their style of play and feel like I fit into their program.

What other offers did you receive?:  Other offers I received were Eastern Michigan University, Youngstown State University and University of Detroit-Mercy.

When you’re not playing basketball, what do you like to do in your spare time?:  I played volleyball, ran track, and really just enjoy playing any sport or activity for fun. I really enjoy reading too.

What will you miss the most about high school and high school basketball?: My high school team is basically a second family to me and I’ve had the best four years playing with them. I’ve developed so many relationships with teammates and coaches, so I’m really going to miss playing and spending so much time with them.

What are you looking forward to about college and playing on the next level?: I’m looking forward to all of the great people I will meet and the opportunities college will create for me. With basketball, I’m really excited to continue developing myself as a player and getting to know my coaches and future teammates.

What advice would you like to give to other lady ballers about basketball and selecting a college/university?:  You have to put in the work if you want to play at the next level and it will be worth it! As long as you’re working on your game and focusing on your grades, things will fall into place for you. When choosing a school, don’t go because it’s the highest level or the most known school; go because it’s the perfect fit for you.

Who would you like to thank for helping you achieve all that you’ve accomplished?: I would like to acknowledge my family and friends for being so supportive of my basketball career. Also, all of the coaches who have helped me become the player and person I am today, and all of my teammates for pushing me and believing in me over the years. I’ve been blessed to have the people I have in my life and I truly appreciate everything they’ve done for me.

The LBI Staff would like to wish Hailey the best of luck during the 2015-16 season and congratulate her on becoming a member of the UMass Women’s Basketball program next year!

This story was written by LBI Senior Writer R.Simone she can reached via email rsiomne@lbiscouting.com also follow her on twitter @LBI_RSimone