Hayley Greene, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play softball for Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Marian University is a member of the Crossroads League and is a NAIA athletic institution. She is the daughter of Brian and Carissa Greene.
Greene, a four-year varsity letter holder, has been passionate about softball for as far back as she can remember. She has also had an impressive run as a member of the Hamilton Heights Girls Softball team. Her freshman year, Greene was named to the All-Conference Team and Offense Player of the Year. As a sophomore, she was named to the All-Conference teams, Honorable Mention All-State, beat the home run record, set the on base average, slugging percentage, earned the highest batting average, and was named at the team’s MVP.
Greene said she felt inspired to choose Marian for a couple of reasons including its location, size of the school, community, and highly competitive softball team. “I think the smaller campus allows for meeting new people easily, and the students were nice and very welcoming during my visits,” said Greene, who plans to study exercise science and kinesiology to pursue a profession as a physical therapist.
Greene’s success on the field and in the classroom is the result of hard work, years of practice to develop her skills, and a lot of studying. She put in the time and dedication weekly between hitting with a coach, speed and agility training, weightlifting, defensive practice and at home off the tee or simply doing glove work to make valuable contributions to the team during her tenure. “I worked hard to develop my skills in the classroom because without having good grades I would not be able to practice and play softball for the school I love,” Greene noted.
In addition, Greene credits her coaches, and most importantly, her family as strong influences on her success over the years. “My coaches have dedicated their time and sweat into helping grow my skill set and become the person and athlete I am today,” she said. “It’s been my parents and family who have been the biggest factor in my success. Without my parents, I would not have had the rides to my games and practices nor the money to pay for all my equipment and hotels. They have been my biggest fans and source of support through both the successful times and the rough parts.”
“I have seen many talented players over that span, but only a few transcend those players to become players you realize are just cut from a different form and maybe players you won’t see the likes of again any time soon,” said Coach Ken Olovich, Hamilton Heights High School Varsity Softball. “What makes a great player, to me, is not only a player that posts big statistical numbers (and Hayley sure has at record-setting levels) but makes those around them better and Hayley absolutely does that. Hayley values all of her teammates and the abilities they do have and does a great job supporting these players, and they seek her advice that she willingly provides. Hayley is the complete package and a champion. It has been a privilege to have her as part of our program these past four years and I wish her great success at Marian. Coach Fleming at Marian has had enormous success with some gaudily impressive won/loss records in a tough conference and we are pleased to hand over a player like Hayley to Coach Fleming and the program he has built at Marian.”
“Hayley is one of the most exciting softball players to watch compete,” added Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights Athletic Director. “She has such a high motor, and her competitive, refuse-to-lose spirit is a joy to watch. She can play about any position on the field and would be willing to play wherever she is needed. Marian University is certainly getting a great softball player but an even better kid. We wish her well as she pursues her dream of playing at the next level.”
Greene also works in time to instruct a defensive class for younger athletes at the Ram Sports Academy in Noblesville, serves as a student athletic trainer for all sports at the high school and during the holidays, participates with the Christmas food drive at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds.
“I want to thank everyone who has put time and effort into as an athlete, such as my coaches, parents, teachers, and teammates,” she added.