Soccer is one of the most popular sports around the globe—and at most Long Island high schools. The high-speed, neck-to-neck game gets passionate crowds rallied up and ready to cheer for their favorite players.
Hayley Angevine, a center back on the girls soccer team last year, was a crowd favorite at Great Neck North High School. Her speed, agility and ubiquitous skill made her one of North High’s best athletes.
“Hayley has that rare combination of speed, skill and height which makes it very hard to beat her to the goal,” said Eamonn Flood, North High athletic director.
But, what onlookers see during a game is only a fraction of the hard work put in by the players, and Angevine can attest to that. Spending hours a week training, she pushed herself to become one of North High’s most accomplished athletes.
“Although defenders do not amass statistics, they are often the key to any team’s success,” said Flood. “Hayley was instrumental in the success and improvement of the girls soccer program over the past four years.”
Without Angevine, countless goals would have been made and games would have been lost. Though her varsity career came to a close after a successful four years, as a talented, determined athlete and true star, she made the sport look much easier than it really is.
North High’s soccer team was different this season without Angevine, but younger athletes have been inspired by the influence she has had on the team.
The Class of 2018 grad began studying nursing at St. Joseph’s College as a member of the women’s soccer team this fall, and is wrapping up her freshman year.
As many student athletes describe, playing on a team in hopes of getting to play at the collegiate level seems pretty far fetched. Although her talent is obvious, Angevine humbly praises her coaches and trainers for her successes.
“My trainers and coaches are really the ones who shaped me into the player I am now,” said Angevine. “From a young age, they pushed me really hard because they saw my potential and wouldn’t let me give up.”
Having worked this hard, it is no wonder that Angevine was lucky enough to be bringing her skills and determination to the collegiate level.
As she moved on from North High, Angevine was extremely thankful to her friends, family and coaches for helping her get to where she is. Their endless support has allowed her to thrive in what she does best. The sacrifices of devoting large amounts of time and energy have paid off as her successful, impressive high school career came to a close and her even brighter future began.
Way to go Hailey!!