From the Sand to the Hardwood
 
Playing a sport in college takes time, effort, and commitment to honing your craft and skill to perform at a high level – but playing two different sports? That takes a special athlete. One who can adapt to different scoring rules, different mechanics, and even a different playing surface.
 
Hailey Hutchings joined the Milwaukee volleyball team this fall as a graduate student, following a four-year career at Grand Canyon University. While some may assume that Hutchings played indoor volleyball in Arizona, she was actually a member of the Antelopes beach volleyball team. Coming to Milwaukee meant more than just pursuing a postgraduate degree – or adjusting to a very different climate –  it meant fully immersing herself back into the indoor game.
 
The staff of The Roar Report caught up with Hailey recently to discuss her start in volleyball, her experience playing beach volleyball at Grand Canyon, and her transition back to the indoor game at Milwaukee.
 
Roar Report: "When did you start getting into sports when you were younger, and what sports did you play?"
 
Hailey Hutchings: "I've been playing sports since I can remember. I started dance when I was four, but switched to softball when I was eight. I didn't make the switch to indoor [volleyball] until middle school, and I started beach when I was 14!
 
RR: "What got you into playing volleyball? Was it a family member, friend?"
 
HH: "I started playing for my middle school team. I tried out all the sports my school offered when I was in 7th grade, but volleyball was by far my favorite."
 
RR: "At what point, probably in your high school career, did you realize that playing in college was a realistic possibility?"
 
HH: "My high school team won a state championship my sophomore year, and that really solidified that I wanted to continue playing at the Division I level."
 
RR: "Why did you ultimately choose Grand Canyon for your undergraduate studies, and was there any intention on playing indoor volleyball in addition to beach volleyball?"
 
HH: "I ended up deciding that I wanted to focus solely on just beach volleyball in college, and I wanted to move to a new state with beautiful, warm weather."
 
RR: "You got to travel with the beach volleyball team to many larger schools, was there a place in particular that you liked visiting the most?"
 
HH: "One of my fondest memories was going to nationals in Gulf Shores, but my favorite trips were to Hawai'i. We always had so much fun on the beautiful beaches and playing at their facility."
 
RR: "What was your favorite part of playing beach volleyball?"
 
HH: "I loved being outside and the vibe, there's always music playing and it's a sport you can play, for the rest of your life, whether it's a game of pickup or professionally."
 
RR: "After getting your undergraduate degree at GCU, was your goal to return to the indoor game?"
 
HH: "I had originally decided to be done with volleyball after my senior year, but once season ended, I knew I wasn't quite done. I had always loved playing indoor and figured it would be a great way to finish my collegiate career."
 
RR: "How did getting to Milwaukee reach out to you, and how did the whole recruiting process unfold?"
 
HH: "The coaching staff reached out to me after I put myself in the portal when beach season finished in the spring. I was able to visit about a week later and instantly fell in love with the school and city. It moved very quickly, but when you know, you know!"
 
RR: "How have you enjoyed re-transitioning to the indoor game, and what have been the easiest and the most difficult parts about the transition?"
 
HH: "I've loved the transition to indoor! The easiest part was probably getting back into hitting in the middle. I've missed the quick sets and faster offense. The most difficult part has probably been the extra care and attention to how my body feels. Sand is much more forgiving on the body!"
 
RR: "What are your goals following the season? Will volleyball continue to be a part of your life?"
 
HH: "Volleyball will always be a big part in my life, whether I am just a spectator or continue playing. I'll likely keep continue coaching while I finish up my MBA, but I'll try to get back on the court as much as I can when I start my career."