"Broncos Spotlight" is a Q&A feature series on SantaClaraBroncos.com about Santa Clara student-athletes and written by Santa Clara students. The series shines light on the lives of our Broncos both on and off the court.

This week we sat down with student-athlete Hayley Hahn, the sophomore beach and indoor volleyball player to see what she does outside the court. The Southern California local speaks on everything from her childhood, to her experiences in the Bay Area while successfully juggling her commitments as a two-sport student-athlete. Learn more about Hayley beyond games played and points scored, through her endless hobbies and talents off the court.

Growing up in Newport Beach, she spent most mornings on the beaches of Southern California. Hayley started surfing at a very young age. She formed new friendships while awaiting the perfect wave. A typical day during her last summer before departing for Santa Clara was surfing five-foot waves, grabbing an acai bowl, playing beach volleyball, and hanging with friends.

Her most memorable morning in the water was during the last week of summer before starting her freshman year. On this morning, at Doheny State beach, she would surf her most memorable wave.

"I remember catching this huge wave and I was just so happy. It was just a great surfing day. I was gassed after doing all the twists and turns."

Every Monday she would wake up bright and early for a golf coaching lesson from her professional golf-playing father, Paul Hahn. He has been a PGA member for the last 30 years and played in seven PGA tournaments. When asking Hayley who her most challenging coach was she was quick to answer with, "my dad." Still, she followed with, "That's what dads do, they push you."

As a two-sport student-athlete, a typical question for Hahn is, "Which do you prefer: beach or indoor volleyball?" She struggles to give an answer. Instead of picking one or the other, she shares her favorite aspects of both.

"While beach (volleyball) is more relaxed and chill vibes, it's still intense and you have to trust your partner."
 

Hayley shares some of the memories made because of beach volleyball. She has trained with the three-time gold medalist Misty May as well as other elite beach players. Hahn and her best friends always practiced together creating even deeper bonds in their friendship. There was no beach volleyball club near her growing up, so Hayley would go to Emerald Bay to practice. The outdoors aspect always attracted her. Growing up in Southern California, she was surrounded by beaches. 

Meanwhile, indoor volleyball has shown Hayley the quickness of the game. Indoor shows her the way six players can communicate and work together with the goal of a successful play. Hayley expresses how she values the team aspect of sports rather than individual. "That's ultimately why I never pursued golf."

Each indoor player is given a different role. Hahn has held multiple roles during her indoor volleyball career. During her prep days at JSerra High School, she played as an outside hitter. Now at Santa Clara, she's found a spot on the Broncos' back line as a defensive specialist.

Hahn had the privilege of returning to both beach and indoor volleyball through a new perspective this past summer, this time as a coach. Her favorite ages to coach were from eight to 12, and 16 to 18. This opportunity allowed her to help kids grow in a sport that they were passionate about. She was able to see how each player grew and advanced in their skills, and because of it, coaching came easy to her. Hayley was able to implement all that she's learned her whole life playing into how she coached. The opportunity even gave her the time to reflect on what she could do better on the court. 

As a Santa Clara student, we asked Hayley to share some of her favorite places on campus. Topping the list was Benson, the school's cafeteria. The seating area around Benson is surrounded by trees and water fountains and running into friends is inevitable.

"You can sit in there for hours on end and people you know just walk in. After they leave, more of your friends come in." She has spent nights at Benson just talking to friends. Due to the smallness of Santa Clara University, a close-knit community has been built. Hayley expresses her appreciation and how she values the sense of community. The seating area outside of the Santa Clara Innovation and Design Club is another favorite of hers. 

Quick Facts: Hayley Hahn

Major
Economics

Pets
Has a dog named pickles – and she doesn't even like pickles!

Volleyball pet peeve
Ankle socks

Warm Up/ Hype song
Party All the Time

Favorite time of the year 
Summer and Winter

Sports played other than volleyball
Tennis, soccer, golf, flag football, basketball, swim, ski  

Favorite Sport to watch
College Football 

• Hayley loves to travel. She has been to 28 states in the United States and hopes to get to all 50. 
•  The most memorable trip she went on was a two-week safari in Tanzania. 
•  She cooks for her teammates when she has the chance and her go-to meal is chicken, rice, and broccoli. Hayley says, "Sometimes less is more." Hayley loves to grill.