Congrats to Hadley Whitworth on winning our December 2023 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Hadley plays as an winger/striker for our Rapids 12G Fort Collins Select team, where her teammates and coaches know her as having a tenacious spirit and desire for success. She sets her goals and then works hard to achieve them.
This fall, Hadley made quite the impression on the field, scoring 9 goals and 6 assists, finishing her season as the top goalscorer and as the assist leader on her team. She is also a 2-sport athlete, competing at a high level in basketball. Off the field, Hadley is exceptionally creative and academically gifted, especially in math. At her homeschool group, she is quick to lend a helping hand to younger children as well as undertake household responsibilities with enthusiasm.
This January, Hadley will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We spoke with Hadley to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
Soccer has played a big part in my life in spite of starting later than most just 2 and a half years ago. It has allowed me to make great new friends, encouraged me to work hard, made me a better team player and taught me the value of being more coachable.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I believe I was nominated for this award because of my consistent effort on the field, in both practices and games. Also, I’ve tried really hard to be a more better and more supportive teammate.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
The most enjoyable part of playing for the Rapids Soccer Club has been playing and spending time with my friends, the guidance and support from my coaches, and the excitement of playing in the Rapids Classic.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
The soccer accomplishment I’m most proud of is achieving the dual rank of scoring leader and assist leader on my team. During the recent regular season, I scored 9 goals and made 6 assists in 8 games. Two other close seconds would be winning first in the Rapid’s Classic this year and only losing 1 game and having 1 tie in my 3 seasons as a competitive soccer player.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
The academic achievement I am most proud of is the opportunity to be homeschooled and my proficiency in studying math at a higher level than my grade.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
Teammates would likely describe me as a good friend, though occasionally way too energetic. Also, they might mention my skill as a good dribbler and being very competitive.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
I am always eager to help with young children and babies. I willingly lend a hand to other homeschool moms, families from our church, and neighbors. I once spent an entire day hanging out with my neighbors 5, 3 and 1 year old while their mom was able to get things done around the house and I did this without asking to be paid. I just love hanging out with the kiddos and being a help to others. I also regularly help my siblings with their chores.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
My favorite soccer player is Alex Morgan, and I cheer for any team fortunate enough to have her on their team.
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
I hope to one day play for the US Women’s National Soccer team and be a Doctor and a mom.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
Alex Morgan inspires me because of her amazing work ethic when she committed even as a kid to daily practice in order to get better. Her story is like mine because she started soccer a bit late but was still successful.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
Outside of playing soccer for the Rapids, I enjoy playing competitive basketball, going out to play football or any sport for that matter with the kids in my neighborhood, playing with little kids, listening to music and feeling the thrill of victory of any kind of competition.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
