SENIOR HOGUE LEADS YOUNG SOUTHSIDE SQUAD

One day next year, when she’s played her last volleyball match and swung at her last softball, Hailey Hogue might pause for reflection. For now, though, the Southside senior has one speed — and it doesn’t include slowing down. “I grew up playing sports, so it’s always been something in my family,” Hogue said. “I traveled everywhere playing it. I really love the game.” The game loves her, too. Hogue’s aggressive play as defensive specialist doesn’t end with the final whistle. A day after beating Van Buren, Hogue was already inquiring from assistant coach Natalie Throneberry as to what she needs to work on. “We’re one game into the season and she’s already wanting to see what her passing stats look like and where she needs to improve,” Throneberry said. “She may get down on herself from time to time, but she perseveres and works hard to get better.” Long before Hogue was making her presence felt at Southside, Hogue envisioned what it meant to play in coach Steve Haaser’s program. The state championship banners that adorn the wall of Southside Gym serve as a constant reminder of what the program stands for. “It’s an honor to play for coach Haaser,” Hogue said. “He puts so much time and effort to get us to where we want to be. “He expects a lot out of us, and we know how he wants us to be.” Hogue had 20 digs in the Mavericks’ season opening 3-2 win over Van Buren on Tuesdsay. Southside (1-0) travels to Russellville today. The Mavericks figure to win their share of matches this season. But they are not the imposing offensive-minded team they were in the mid-2000s, when the Mavericks won three state titles during a four-year run between 2003-06. Haaser’s 2017 version is quick, young and not very tall.

SENIOR HOGUE LEADS YOUNG SOUTHSIDE SQUAD

Photo Credit: Brian D. Sanderford

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