Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoe Haley.
Zoe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My hockey journey started with learning how to skate at 5 years old. I was always at the rink because my brother was learning how to play hockey. Naturally, I joined him in the hockey world at 6. I have almost always been the only girl in all-boys teams. I’ve tried out for teams against the boys, and I’ve had work much harder to be on an even playing field with them. Many boys and even a coach have repeatedly reminded me that girls don’t belong in this sport. With the support of my family and some of the most amazing coaches, I was able to excel in this game I love. Today, I play on an in-state boys’ team with full contact, and I’ve been selected to play on the highest State level in Florida in an all-girls team to play out-of-state invitational tournaments in the country and at college showcases.
To not be a burden for my parents and ruin my chance to play hockey, I’ve learned that I have to be self-sufficient. I tied my own skates and changed into my own gear at age six and a half. I’ve also packed my own suitcases for away games and hockey bag entirely by myself at age seven.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Aside from having to fight against sexism, it is a very expensive sport. My family had to make lots of financial and retirement sacrifices for both my brother and I to play at this level. With all the travel and training, my parents are budgeting a minimum of $40,000 this season.
In addition, we travel nearly every weekend, so it has been difficult to make friends outside of hockey. I remember kids in the neighborhood or church can never play with us because we were either practicing piano or in an ice rink somewhere.
Another struggle was school attendance. We’ve had to miss so much school that we decided to leave the prestigious Osceola School for the Arts (the school just won the best jazz competition in the country!) to pursue our dreams in hockey. My brother and I are both 10th-year pianists with a minor in cello. I’m giving up cello this year but will continue with my piano lessons. I’m giving up the opportunity to be taught by incredible teachers and will assume all responsibility to learn on my own with Florida Virtual School.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What sets me apart from other players are my commitment to music and education. As an incoming high school Freshman, I’ve already skipped a grade and a half. I’m nearly halfway done with my class load for 10th grade. I’m in school all year, including summer.
I’m also a 10th-year pianist, currently level 7 on the Royal Conservatory track.
In my free time, I volunteer as a chess tutor for 3rd to 5th graders. I’m also learning to work with kids with autism. I have already completed more than the 100 volunteer high school hours for my Bright Futures Scholarship requirement.
Any big plans?
My goals are to complete all 10 levels of Royal Conservatory in my piano training in the next 3 years, graduate high school in less than 3 years, and my biggest dream is to play for a division one school. I’ve visited Harvard and Brown last year and would love nothing more than to play for one of them.
Lakeland Ice Arena
Zoe’s Hockey Coach
https://www.facebook.com/loops19
Zoe’s favorite school teacher
https://www.facebook.com/brittany.hague85
Zoe’s piano teacher
https://www.blakemoreschoolofmusic.com/
Zoe’s place of volunteer
https://www.kingdomkidsca.com/
