Player Spotlight: Hayleigh Atkinson #23
“I grew up in Marion, SC. I attended Pee Dee Academy from kindergarten through 10th grade, then transferred to Dillon Christian. I have a rare heart condition that causes my heart to beat too fast. I grew up hunting and fishing. I’m a Christian, and I try to live my life accordingly.”
Hometown: Marion, SC
Year: Sophomore
Major: Associate in Science (planning to use it to get into veterinary school)
Background:
"I grew up in Marion, SC. I attended Pee Dee Academy from kindergarten through 10th grade, then transferred to Dillon Christian. I have a rare heart condition that causes my heart to beat too fast. I grew up hunting and fishing. I'm a Christian, and I try to live my life accordingly."
Future Aspirations:
"I plan to continue my education at my next college in a veterinary program. I hope to graduate and become a veterinarian, eventually get married, and start a family."
What led you to Florence-Darlington Technical College:
"I chose Florence-Darlington Technical College because it was close to home, and one of my best friends on the team invited me to a camp."
Experience so far at FDTC:
"My experience here has been a learning curve. FDTC has given me the resources to improve my education and the opportunity to grow as a person."
Biggest challenges and resources that helped you succeed:
"The softball team, Life Scholarship, and my dad have helped me the most. The softball team has supported me financially and allowed me to continue doing something I love. The Life Scholarship has helped me financially and kept me accountable for my grades. My dad has supported, encouraged, and loved me through everything. He has always pushed me to be my best in everything I do and raised me to work for my dreams and smile while doing it."
"My freshman year was rough. The best way I know how to get through the toughest times is to pray and give everything to God. He handles my worries, and I trust His plan for me. My dad has always been there to support me and remind me that everything will be okay—that we'll get through it. He tells me to keep smiling. My teammates have also helped me learn how to manage my time and trust the process."
"One of the biggest challenges has been time management and adjusting to harder classes. Playing softball takes up a big part of your day, so you have to sacrifice your free time to study and complete your schoolwork. College classes involve more information in a shorter amount of time. Once you learn how to balance everything, it becomes your normal."
"David Saleeby was my chemistry professor, and he was the best professor I've had. He constantly helped and supported us and truly cared about each of our lives. He still gives me high fives in the halls and cheers at softball and baseball games."
