Hailey Simpson
89 posts
@haileymsimpson
McLean HS ‘25 | 4.33 GPA | V Softball | VHSL Female Athlete of the Year | 1st Team All Met, State, Region & District | VA Class 6 State Champs
There’s a moment every athlete dreams of—the moment they realize years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief have finally paid off. Today, I am beyond blessed to announce that I have committed to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Illinois! 🧡💙 Go Illini! This isn’t just about a sport. It’s about a journey that has shaped my life in ways words can hardly describe. To my family—you are the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. Mom, Dad, and Grandma—you’ve stood beside me, crossing miles, borders, and oceans to support a dream that was never just mine, but ours. Grandma, you’ve been my compass, guiding me through the highs and lows, reminding me that this game is more than a sport—it’s a part of who I am. I hope I’ve made you proud. To Cameryn Denhup —thank you for being my rock. From day one, you’ve stood by me through everything—on and off the field. No matter what life threw at us, you always had my back, and I’ll always have yours, forever. Your friendship means the world to me, and I’m grateful for every laugh, every moment, and every step we’ve taken together. A special thank you to Rich Levin, Eric Garza, Bella Norton, India Chiles, Shane Shurlund, Jimmy Kolaitis, Scott Smith, and Dale Serie—you have helped me grow and pushed me to be the best version of myself. The road wasn’t always easy. There were early mornings, long nights, and moments I questioned if I’d ever get here. But those moments only made this one sweeter. The day I walked onto Illinois’s campus, I knew I’d found my home. I knew this was where my heart belonged. Now, it’s time to embrace this next chapter with everything I have. I’m ready to represent the Fighting Illini, not just for myself, but for the people who’ve stood beside me through it all. This is more than a commitment—it’s a promise to honor this journey and the people who made it possible. Here’s to chasing dreams, creating memories, and leaving a legacy. Let’s do this! 💪🥎 #Committed #GoIllini #IlliniSoftball #DreamBig #NextChapter #FamilyFirst
Finished up the WWBA going 9/17 and hitting .529. Excited for the rest of the summer and more opportunities. @STARSBASEBALLVA @Coach_Dowling @jerry_shank @rd_baseball
