VANCOUVER, Wash. --- The "utility player" designation only begins to describe what Hailey Paull contributes to the teams she plays for. Her versatility and willingness to step up and lead actually extends to multiple sports and to the difference she makes as the president of her senior class at Mountain View High School. 

Paull had her breakthrough athletic year in 2018, starting with an introductory performance on the Mountain View softball team that earned her All-Greater St. Helen's League recognition as a freshman pitcher. She went on to win a PGF Platinum National Championship with her NW Bullets travel ball team later that summer before quickly trading her spikes for a volleyball uniform and helping the Mountain View Thunder win a GHSL championship with a 9-1 league record. 

MaxPreps.com listed Paull as an outside hitter/defensive specialist on that roster that would finish 9th at 3A Washington Volleyball Championships. But softball has always been Paull's primary sport and she soon developed a strong interest in Head Coach Nikki Udria's program by the end of the 2018 calendar year. Paull dreamed of joining a collegiate team that loved Jesus and her sport, and she's excited that her aspiration will become reality in just a few months. 

"I chose Biola University because of the faith-centered environment I experienced when I stepped on campus. I could feel the true connection that environment made between the teachers, students, and coaches," said Paull. "I am excited to start this new chapter of my life, surrounded by teammates who share the same vision for how God will shape us both on and off the field."

After helping her volleyball team earn a league title and qualify for state playoffs, Paull accomplished the same thing in her next softball season. Her contributions in the circle and as an infielder helped the Thunder get off to a 12-1 start, go 10-0 in true road games, and run away with the GHSL title on the shoulders of a 14-1 league record. Then when all was said and done, Paull's team went 21-4 overall and advanced to the 3A State semifinal game before finishing in fourth place. 

COVID-19 cancellations called off Paull's junior season. But the future Eagles stayed busy by focusing on her studies and involvement in her local YoungLife ministry. Paull has attended bible studies and camps through YoungLife for six years and earned scholar athlete honors every season she has been eligible as a volleyball or softball player. 

When she arrives at Biola, Paull plans to be used as a true utility player and intends to major in biology with an emphasis in secondary education. She would like to be a high school science teacher and would join four other teammates who are also studying to be teachers.

Hailey Paull will enroll at Biola in Fall 2021 alongside three other Biola softball signees. More information on the rest of the student-athletes that will join her at Biola in 2021-22 can be found on the Committed Athletes page.