Hailey Hirtz '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Hailey Hirtz and I am a Junior at Abington Heights High School (class of 2024). I live in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and am looking for an opportunity to run during my college years. My experience in running has not just been from Pennsylvania.  I have also participated in cross country and track in California and Texas. Freshman year, I lettered in Texas, then the following semester my family and I moved to California due to my dad’s career. In California, I completed 2 years of track, lettering both years, and 1 year of Cross Country, once again lettering. I have gone to States from cross country twice, one in California and one in Pennsylvania. Sophomore year my team and I placed second at Valley, earning us a spot at States. Junior year, my team who I am currently still with, placed first in league completing the season undefeated, placed first at Districts, and had a strong finish at States. Our top 5 runners, including myself, placed within the top 8 at districts, securing our spots at States individually, as well as a team. We finished 13th overall across all divisions at States. I also was chosen for the opportunity to run at the AAU Nationals in December of 2021, and my team placed 2nd overall.  I enjoy running for school, as well as participating in many races outside of school, often getting a medal and placing in my age group.  

When looking for a college, I first look at the majors provided. I want to major in Interior Design. I would also like to have some business courses to benefit myself and my career in the future. Area wise, I’m not too picky on where I want to go. I have lived in different parts of the country and have enjoyed all the areas. My preference would be to not be too far west, unless it is a place I know well.

One of my main strengths is my kick at the end of races, more prominent in track. My goal is to drop my mile into the range of 5:35-5:40 and my 800 into the low 2:30s. My senior year of cross country will be the first year that I am returning to the same team and not in a new place. I hope to be able to course PR for the majority of the races. The terrain is completely different from California, making it challenging for me to have enough stamina for the amount of hills presented in each race. I have worked hard and am determined to improve. I also would like to add my half marathon time: 1:41:08. I ran my first one back in December of 2022. When the track season comes to an end, I will most likely complete another one and strive for a PR.