Posted on March 7, 2024 by Rebekah Alegria
Meet Hailey Atwood, a graduate student from Austin and a member of the UTSA women’s basketball team earning a M.S. in Business degree at the Carlos Alvarez College of Business!
Hailey Atwood's love for basketball was fostered in middle school, alongside a deep-seated passion for crime-solving, police work and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Working hard on the court, she secured a basketball scholarship playing for Blinn College. Her time at Blinn was marked by numerous accolades, including being named First Team All-American and receiving the prestigious Don Wilhelm Award.
In 2021 Atwood transferred to UTSA, where she received a full scholarship, and earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice.
Atwood found purpose through her involvement with Team Impact, where she formed a meaningful connection with Mia, a cancer survivor. Together, they were honored as the Team Impact Players of the Year.
Throughout her journey, Atwood has found unwavering support in her fiancée, Raquel, who stood by her side through academic and athletic pursuits.
Now Atwood has shifted her focus toward entrepreneurship while also maintaining a passion for law. With aspirations of becoming a business owner, she will graduate in the summer of 2024.
Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree in M.S. Business at UTSA Alvarez?
I pursued my graduate degree here because the program is specifically designed for individuals like me who don't have a background in business. I also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the same group of people every day, fostering a sense of community and support. The fact that the program takes only 11 months to complete was also particularly appealing to me!
You are a member of the UTSA women’s basketball team. Tell me about what a day in your life looks like as a student athlete?
A typical day for me involves a tight schedule and a balancing act. I usually wake up around 6:30 a.m. to get ready for classes, which typically start at 9 a.m. and run until 11:45 a.m.
Following classes, I head straight to basketball practice from noon to 3 p.m., where we focus on honing our skills and team strategies. After practice, it's time for recovery and sometimes rehabilitation sessions, lasting from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., to ensure we're in top physical condition for upcoming games.
When I get home around 5 p.m., I take a quick shower to freshen up before diving into the evening's workload. From 6 p.m. on, it's a juggling act between homework, dinner, and study sessions. Depending on the workload, I may have a little bit of alone time between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. before winding down for the night and hitting the bed around 9 p.m., ready to repeat the cycle again the next day.
How do you find the balance between your sport and your education?
Time management and organization is very important! Keeping up with due dates and doing my work ahead of time is key. I have no time for procrastination.
Who, if anyone, during your academic journey thus far has been a mentor for you?
My academic advisor, Ms. Beth, has been instrumental in guiding me through my academic journey. I've also received invaluable support from my accounting professor, Professor Christiana, and supportive friends that I have made along the way.
Do you have any professional work experience or internships you are proud of?
I had the opportunity to intern with the San Antonio Police Department during my undergraduate years.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school and basketball?
In my free time, I enjoy cooking, going shopping, spending days at the lake or river, listening to my favorite artist, Young Dolph and collecting Yeti’s.
What are your future career aspirations?
In the future, I aspire to become both a lawyer and a business owner.
Do you have any advice for other students or student athletes like yourself who are completing their education while playing the sport they love?
Being a student athlete is challenging, but it's all about setting goals, staying determined, and showing perseverance. Some days, it's tough to muster the motivation for practice or class, but I remind myself of the goal: graduating with a degree!
— Rebekah Alegria
