Personal Statement

Hi my name is Haley Schroeder.  My dream is to become a college athlete, specifically a Division I softball player.  I want this for many reasons, but mainly is how softball has affected my life.  It always brought me so much joy, even when times were at its hardest in life.  My brother Austin "Flash" Schroeder was diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma when he was 14 and battled cancer for 1 year and 2 weeks.  I was 8 & 9 years old when this happened.  Watching how strong and faithful my brother and parents were and still are, has really shaped me into who I want to be.  During my brother's cancer journey, my family created a motto that we and many others live by to this day, Win The Day.  Win The Day is something my Dad used when coaching Austin 2 years before he got sick, that came to have a deeper meaning over the years.  It is a very simple concept. To remember that the two things that we can control in any situation is our Attitude and Effort, to live life to the fullest, to always find the positives, and that no matter what situation we find ourselves in, that we each get to decide what a Win is each day!   

Softball has given me so many friendships and what I like to call my family, who helped me through the toughest times with my brother.  I am fortunate that it not only brought me the most important people, but it also brought me to places all over the US.  It has given me a chance to see new places, meet new people and build new friendships.   After many years of traveling and competing, I am even more determined to continue what I love and play at a high level in college.  

For as long as I have been playing, each season I have focused on a few goals which I think are strengths of mine.  1) To be the hardest worker, 2) to bring positive energy, and 3) to be a leader.   I feel that if I work hard, not only will I improve myself, but my teammates will work harder and improve too.  I feel that if I bring positive energy, that I and others will play thru adversity better and have more fun competing.   I feel that by leading by example and being a good communicator, that has lead me to become a better leader, teammate and person.  I know that I can talk to my teammates and make sure we’re all getting to the same page together so we can play to the best of our abilities.  I am very coachable, positive and competitive player, and will do what I can to make sure the team is getting better as one. 

I live my life through faith, family, school, and sports.  I love competing and playing the game of softball, and I am looking for a university with a very strong academic offering that pushes me in the classroom as much as on the field.  I am unsure of what my future career will be, however, I am very interested in business and possibly interior design.  Most importantly, finding a school and a program that will feel like home to me.

Win The Day