By: Michael Wayne O’Neill
Sports Editor
Competition has been instilled in Wingate University women’s soccer senior Haley Faucette (5-foot-8) since she was 5 years old.
Faucette’s first love was soccer, but she branched out into other sports with self-confidence through the years. Competing in sports outside of her comfort zone helped her be outgoing and high-achieving by the time she was a multi-sport athlete at The Burlington School in Alamance County, N.C.
“I really enjoyed playing volleyball in middle and high school because of how much fun the sport is to play because of its fast-paced and athletic nature,” Faucette said, “Most of my favorite sports memories outside of soccer actually have come from my high school basketball team. I was the only girl on the team who did not play basketball competitively with the goal of playing in college, but I had so much fun being around a team of really hard-working and talented athletes.”
Today, Faucette’s athletic and academic lives at Wingate go hand in hand. She is studying communications with the intent of majoring in journalism. She took political science-related courses that she enjoyed.
“Being willing to do hard work, stay organized, and put your best effort into each action are things that can help a person be successful in the classroom, on the field,” Faucette said.
Faucette said she is undecided about her career path upon graduation in 2024. She aspires to still play competitive soccer post-college “as long as possible” while looking at all options on the table.
The Bulldogs are 7-2-1 overall going into their road match against UNC Pembroke on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Faucette calls the team “unified” because of their comradery.
“We are all dedicated to working hard not only for our individual gains but for the success of the whole squad,” Faucette said, “I know that I can count on every single girl in our locker room, as well as every part of our awesome coaching staff, at any moment on or off the field.”
Wingate Triangle 