WPIAL Alum Q&A – Hayden Pascoe

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, September 25, 2017 | 8:26 PM

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Hayden Pascoe’s career on the pitch at Belle Vernon Area included a bevy of highlights, both for her individually and for the Leopards. For the past four seasons, she has enjoyed similar success at Kent State. Consequently, Pascoe is under the spotlight in this week’s edition of the WPIAL Alum Q&A.

As a freshman at Belle Vernon in 2010, Pascoe earned a spot in the starting lineup, and helped guide the Leopards to a mark of 11-6-2. With a section record of 8-4-2 in AA Section 4, Belle Vernon qualified for the postseason, but fell to Southmoreland in the opening round. In the process, Pascoe earned All-Section recognition.

The following campaign, the Leopards improved their mark to 17-3-0, including a second-place finish in section play with a record of 12-2-0. This time, the Leopards prevailed in their opening playoff match, winning 8-0 against Deer Lakes. The team lost in the quarterfinals to Central Valley, however. Pascoe once again was named to the All-Section team.

In her junior year, Pascoe helped propel BVA to a first-place section finish, at 10-1-1. The Leopards also turned in a historic postseason run, as they bested Southmoreland and Hopewell to reach the semifinals. Mars edged the Leopards, but Belle Vernon rebounded with a win against Central Valley in the consolation match to qualify for the state playoffs, and finished at 18-4-1. For the third-straight season, Pascoe earned All-Section honors.

As a senior in 2013, Pascoe took her game to the next level. First, she guided Belle Vernon to a 14-5-1 mark, which included a playoff win, 1-0, against South Fayette, before falling to Central Valley. Individually, the forward netted 28 goals and 18 assists, securing All-State honors, as well as Tribune-Review All-Area accolades.

For her prep career, Pascoe compiled 102 goals and 63 assists. She was a four-time All-Section honoree, and a three-time All-WPIAL performer.

Pascoe matriculated to Kent State, where she joined the Golden Flashes program in 2014. In her first year, she appeared in 12 contests, recording one goal. The team finished 10-7-3, including a conference mark of 5-4-2.

The following campaign, Pascoe enjoyed a breakout season, as she played in 20 games, including 19 starts. In those matches, she produced four goals and six assists, totaling 14 points, the third-best mark on Kent State. Meanwhile, the Golden Flashes compiled a mark of 11-6-3.

Last season, the forward started all 20 games, notching six goals and five assists, both of which ranked second for the Golden Flashes. Additionally, the team achieved a record of 15-3-2, including 8-1-2 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). In the process, Kent State won the MAC Tournament Championship for the first time in program history, courtesy of 1-0 triumph against Northern Illinois. The Golden Flashes qualified for the NCAA tournament, falling to Northwestern in the first round.

Thus far in 2017, Pascoe has started all 10 games, netting one goal and adding two assists. Her team is off to another strong start, with a record of 6-3-1, including 2-0-0 in the conference.

Hayden dedicated time from her busy workload to answer questions about the best moment in her college career, if she still follows Belle Vernon athletics, and who she would like to meet.

Q: Dating back to your sophomore season, you have been one of the top point producers for your team. What has been the key to your offensive output?
A: I have always been team-oriented first. We have had and have a lot of really good soccer players around me at all times. I am always looking to put the team into a scoring position, and sometimes that means sending the best pass I can, and sometimes being the recipient of one!

Q: Aside from scoring, what is your greatest contribution to the team?
A: I try to be a great leader on and off the field. There is such a big adjustment to the college game; I think being a positive influence helps with the transition.

Q: What are your individual goals for your senior year?
A: My individual goals for my senior year are to be the best player I can be for my team!

Q: Kent State has had some impressive seasons in recent memory. What is the outlook for 2017?
A: The outlook for 2017 would be to win back to back MAC championships!

Q: What is your best memory thus far in your collegiate soccer career?
A: The best memory in my collegiate soccer career would be winning the MAC championship and making history with my best friends.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Kent State?
A: I loved the campus and the coaches. It is also close to home, so that my parents can come to all my games! Plus, it is a good school.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?
A: My major is finance, and I want to go get my MBA after school.

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of succeeding in both athletics and academics?
A: The most challenging aspect of succeeding in both athletics and academics would be juggling 20 hours of week of soccer with all the homework and class that I have to do! It is all worth it though.

Q: You had tremendous success at Belle Vernon Area. What was your fondest high school memory?
A: My fondest memory at Belle Vernon Area was being on the first team from Belle Vernon to make states.

Q: Do you still keep up with following Belle Vernon athletics?
A: My brother is still in high school, and he plays football, so I try to make a game during the season. It is just hard because my season is during the soccer and football season, but I’m always cheering for them from afar!

Q: What is your training regimen like, both during the season and in the offseason?
A: During the season, we practice every day, unless we have a game. We do get one day off! Out of season, I lift and run all the time!

Q: Aside from soccer, what is your favorite activity during your free time?
A: During my free time, I try to travel as much as I can. I love seeing new places.

Q: If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would you pick?
A: If I could meet anyone, I guess I would pick Kylie Jenner. Lol I love her!!

Q: Do you often use social media, and if so, which in particular is your favorite?
A: I really enjoy using Instagram and Snapchat.

Q: What is your favorite vacation spot, or a place you’d like to go?
A: My favorite vacation spot would have to be Turks and Caicos, and I would love to go to Bora Bora one day!

Tags: Belle Vernon, Kent State