Not many athletes would list the Belgium National Anthem as motivation, but for
Ozark (Mo.) volleyball star
Jade Hayes, the song made her never want to lose another match.
"One of my most memorable moments was winning the silver medal at the Youth Olympics," said the Missouri senior. "I was proud of our team, but having to listen to the Belgium anthem play as their flag was raised made me never want to lose a match ever again."
Jade Hayes, Ozark
Photo courtesy of Julie Hunter
Hayes hasn't lost many matches in her time on the volleyball court. A MaxPreps preseason All-American and the Gatorade State Player of the Year in Missouri for 2009, Hayes helped lead Ozark to the Division 4 state championship last year. A veteran of national competition as well, Hayes played on the Youth Olympic team last summer and has played on national teams since she was 12 years old.
According to her coach Becky Justis, Hayes' selection to the Olympic team was a dream come true.
"Jade has worked toward her ultimate dream. I have never seen a family, program and community so proud of someone as when she was selected to represent the USA for the Youth Olympic Team," said Justis. "Probably the most amazing thing to me as her coach is how she can walk back on our court after this incredible experience so humbled and all she wants to do is now push her team to go for another state championship."
Ozark went 34-3-3 last season and defeated Incarnate Word Academy, Blue Springs and St. Joseph's Academy in a four-way round robin for the Division 4 championship. The Tigers defeated Incarnate Word Academy 2-0 with Hayes registering 14 kills. She had 19 in a 1-1 tie with St. Joseph's Academy and she added 19 more in a 2-1 victory over Blue Springs.
For the season, Hayes had 556 kills, 129 blocks, 366 digs and 397 service receiving points. She's off to a similar start this year with 29 kills, 18 digs and eight blocks in Ozark's first three matches of the season (3-0).
A four-year member of the varsity team, Jade spent two seasons playing on the same team as her sister Aleah.
"That was part of the excitement of joining the varsity my freshman year, I had the joy to be able to play with my sister," Jade said.
Ozark High School - 2009 Division 4 Missouri state champions.
Photo Courtesy of Joanna Hayes
Her sister also figured into her college choice. While she won't be playing at Texas Tech, where Aleah is currently playing, she will play for Missouri.
"I knew I wanted to stay in the Big 12 so that I could play against my sister," said Jade. "However it was very stressful making the decision because several of the schools were still deciding whether they were leaving or staying in the Big 12. But I'm excited to up my game and train and play with amazing athletes."
An all-around athlete, Hayes has competed in the state meet in track, finishing fifth in the high jump as a freshman. She has also competed in the 300-meter hurdles and the 4x400 relay. A strong swimmer as well, Hayes has competed at the state meet in the 50 freestyle and the relays in the past.
She gets her athletic ability from her parents, Joanna and Bruce. Her father played football at Tulsa and Missouri State. Her mother played volleyball at Missouri Southern State University and was a head volleyball coach for 19 seasons before joining Ozark as an assistant eight years ago. Grandfather Bill Hayes, meanwhile, was a four-sport letterman at Kirksville.
Jade Hayes, Ozark
Photo Courtesy of Joanna Hayes
"My parents have been the most influential people in my life," said Hayes. "I remember playing with my mom's high school teams growing up. My parents always taught me to use the talents and abilities God gave me to the fullest."
While Hayes is a talented all-around player, she says that passing is her strength.
"My strengths are being smart with the ball, I love to pass," she said.
Justis notes that Hayes' work ethic may be her strongest asset.
"Her work ethic is incredible. From the first moment she stepped onto the high school court she was never satisfied," said Justis. "She always wanted 'One more coach, just one more.' Needless to say everyone else started saying that and that set the tone for taking our program to the next level. We never end a drill now without everyone saying, 'Just one more coach.'"
Hayes and Justis are both hoping that 'Just one more' will also apply to state championships as well.
"We want to take each win one step at a time, but ultimately we want to repeat as state champs," said Hayes. "I think we will do well. We have competitors and we don't like to lose."
