Hailey Bila (2022) Bath High School, MI-OF/1B
Scouting Report
Hailey attended the RISE-Turnin2 Scout Day at Legacy Center on September 8th, 2019 in Brighton, MI. Hailey possesses a ultra-athletic lean frame with quick twitched actions (5’7” 126lb). A toolsy player, Hailey immediately turned heads with our RISE Staff, when she showed plus-plus speed out of the box and around the basepaths (2.66 Home to 1st | 11.43 Home to Home). In the box, Hailey demonstrated an advanced feel for hitting from the left-side. Her smooth rhythm and load allows for perfect timing and consistent hard contact. Her short/powerful swing showed the ability to drive the ball line to line, with juice to the right center gap. A dual threat at the plate, Hailey also utilizes her plus speed and bat control when needed to slap (68mph Exit Velocity). A light-footed outfielder, Hailey has an above average feel for the position, as she effortlessly drop-steps and glides behind every ball. Her ¾ arm action shows good carry and backspin with accuracy through her target (64mph OF Velocity). On the dirt, Hailey showed clean hands and actions around the bag. Her consistent footwork and body control made every throw precise and on-line (60mph IF Velo).
For a young player (2022), Hailey showed plus tools, and a natural feel for the game. A true “Can’t Miss Prospect”, Hailey projects to develop into an elite type talent with growth, strength, and maturity.
Recently RISE Softball was able to catch up with Hailey for a brief Q & A:
RISE: Being only a Sophomore in high school, what have you been doing to get yourself on College Coaches radar?
Hailey: As a high school sophomore I am not able to speak directly to college coaches regarding recruiting. Therefore, I have been attending numerous college camps, sending emails and game highlight videos to the colleges I am interested in. I have also created a YouTube Channel where I post game highlights, camp videos and training sessions. Turnin 2 provides tnprecruiting for their players, I utilize it too link videos, pictures, Rise Softball and other recruiting information to one site.
RISE: Intended college major?
Hailey: In college, I plan to major in Kinesiology/Exercise Science and minor in Sports Management. Upon graduating, I intend to continue my education in Physical Therapy.
RISE: Dream Job?
Hailey: My dream job is to be employed by a professional or collegiate team as a Physical Therapist working to rehab their injured athletes and help to reduce future injuries.
RISE: Do you play any other sports?
Hailey: Yes, I also play varsity volleyball, basketball and ran track until it conflicted with varsity softball my freshman year.
RISE: What/who inspires you?
Hailey: I have been fortunate enough to have 4 amazing coaches so far in my life that have truly inspired me. When I was in elementary school, my gymnastics coach, Angelina Hernandez, was a tough coach that motivated and held me accountable to have good work ethics and not take short cuts. As I got older, I began to realize that my passion was playing softball, and I met Kylene Hopkins who was another tough coach that expected a lot out of me. She saw a lot of potential in me and helped me grow in the sport. When Kylene moved away, McKenzie Long became my new mentor and motivator. She knows me well and pushes hard to get the best out of me. Coach Rodney Robeson my travel ball coach, has really broaden the way I look at the game. He’s constantly working with me on the technical and mental aspects of the game. Coach Robeson challenges me to push myself mentally and to become the leader he knows I can be.
RISE: Favorite softball moment?
Hailey: My favorite softball moment would have to be when I made a game winning catch as I plowed into the left field fence and fell to the ground still holding the ball. Everyone came running out to celebrate our win. As my teammates helped me up, we headed to home plate to congratulate the other team, and I felt like I was on top of the world. You don’t get many of these moments in life, but when you do, it feels like you’re walking on air. None of this would have been possible without the help of my teammates who supported and pushed me to do my best.
RISE: How many days a week do you train/ prepare for softball?
Hailey: Being fortunate to have space in my dad’s heated shop for a full batting cage, I work everyday on hitting, conditioning and arm strengthening. My sister and I play catch every chance we get. I try to watch as much college softball as I can to continue strengthening my softball IQ.
RISE: Prior to the COVID-19, how were you preparing/ approaching your high school softball season (goals, mindset, etc?)
Hailey: As I prepared for my high school season, my team and I were practicing on a daily basis as well as working out. I was approaching this softball season with a killer mentality looking to exceed my personal goals and continue to grow as a softball player. Last year, I broke the single season stolen base record, and this year, I am planning to crush that record along with others. As I work hard to reach my personal goals, I am preparing to be a leader and team player for my high school team.
RISE: Now that COVID-19 has cancelled school and postponed the season, what are you doing to ensure your prepared for softball when it returns?
Hailey: Even though our season has been postponed, I continue to work hard practicing my swing, working out to stay in shape, eating right and taking fly balls when the weather permits. With all that is going on in the world, staying mentally tough is equally important.
RISE: Name something that softball has given you that nobody, including yourself, could ever imagine?
Hailey: I never would of imagined that softball would play such a large roll in making me who I am today and who I will become in the future. Softball has helped me to learn to conquer some of life’s curve balls. This game does not define us, this game helps to build us into who we will become.