On March 2, 2024, University of Dallas track and field athletes arrived at Hendrix College’s Alumni Open to compete against a number of Division II and III athletes from opposing colleges. Crusader athletes from the men’s and women’s teams did incredibly well in this spring opener event, starting off on the right foot in both their races and sports’ seasons. However, one freshman stood out in her achievements with sudden success and an outstanding first performance.
Bailey Haas, a player on the basketball court and runner on the track field, placed 6th in the 100m, beating multiple Division II competitors in the first individual race of her career. In only her second semester at UD, she has already hit her stride while juggling two sports commitments alongside her studies in business. Her accomplishments have already made a lasting impression on campus. However, despite her out-of-the-gate wins, Haas does not feel like backing down any time soon.
“I was [definitely] happy with myself and what I did accomplish [at Hendrix],” Haas stated, “but I do feel like it’s just the beginning and that there’s more to come.”
Haas reflected on her beginnings with sports, the influences and support of her family, and her elementary and high school athletic experiences, all of which promoted her current success.
“I’ve been playing these two sports ever since I was in elementary school,” Haas said. “I think what got me into it was just my family. They were very much sports oriented, and it was just always something to do.”
She also expressed her love for the sense of progress sports provide. Increasing in skill and ability as well as bettering oneself through athletics were definite draws for Haas and continue to motivate her today.
While she was drawn to UD more for its academic than sports programs, Haas expressed gratitude for the flexibility of both coaches and professors in support of student-athletes. With two sports commitments, Haas has her hands full but was impressed by the understanding of staff and teachers alike who allowed her the option to prioritize and juggle her time. She advised student-athletes to not become too stressed when the crunch time of meets or exams come together. Instead she advises student-athletes to ask for help and flexibility.
“It has been a busier schedule, and I have definitely been needing to make good time management and better use of my time. It is doable,” Haas shared. “It is a lot, but especially with school and talking to your professors, it can be done and doesn’t have to be so hard.”
Haas was especially grateful for her coaches, who helped her adjust to the college athletics balance and prepare for her first individual race.
“I’d never done an individual race in high school. I always did relays so it was definitely something new,” Haas said. “The coaches helped me become more comfortable, especially for the first meet. I’m still practicing and getting more comfortable with [individual races].”
While all students struggle at some point with balancing multiple priorities and commitments, the double-lives of student-athletes can have their own whole set of challenges. After having matured so quickly and adjusting to a busy college life, Haas shared some advice for her fellow athletes in order to mitigate stress.
“I think [my advice] would just be to stay on top of your work. The ‘student’ in the ‘student-athlete’ comes first. Make sure you get done with all your grades and then prioritize your athletics,” Haas shared. “I think it makes it way more manageable, better, and more fun when you’re not worrying so much about school.”
The Crusader track and field teams will continue their season with the advantage of a great beginning meet. Haas will continue training, and her career with UD Athletics will continue to flourish and grow over her next few years at the university.