Gillette Signs Shoshoni Standout Hailey Donelson

GILLETTE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS  

May 12th , 2023 

Julia Machin | Head Women's Volleyball Coach 

Hailey Donelson is a three-sport athlete out of Shoshoni, WY. The three- sport athlete played and lettered in volleyball (4 years), basketball (4 years) and track (2 years). Doneslon will come in and compete at the outside hitter position for Gillette. While at Shoshoni high school the 5'9 outside lettered and earned Royal Order of the Wrangler in her freshman and sophomore year for volleyball and basketball. In addition to those awards, Hailey earned all-conference and all county for basketball. Come junior year Donelson lettered, was awarded all- conference and was team captain for both volleyball and basketball. This led to her winning the Shoshoni HS Female Athlete of the year award. To add on to her junior year, Donelson was awarded Big Piney Good Sport of the Game and Riverside Good Sport of the Game for basketball. 

Donelson's athletic career really took off in her senior year. In volleyball she was awarded a letter, all conference, all county, all state, 2A Northwest player of the year, 2A All Stars and Wyo player of the week. She finished her senior season of volleyball alone with 388 kills, 208 digs and 41 aces. Meanwhile, in basketball she was awarded a letter, all conference, she was Player of the Game at the State Tournament, Wyo player of the game three times and earned the 2A girl's leading scorer award. 

"Hailey is very gifted academically and athletically. I was happy to hear she chose volleyball instead of basketball in college; she can do both. She is a fun personality to have around, and she comes from an incredibly supportive family." said Coach Machin 

In academics Donelson is also a standout with a high school GPA of 4.125, earning her the Hathaway Scholarship. She earned the English student of the year award, History student of the year award and Science student of the year award. Hailey was on the honor roll and Principal's honor roll all four years of high school. She earned Riverton Ranger student of the week, Shoshoni student of the month four times and was a nominee for the Mower Award. Through all her hard work, Hailey will graduate 4th in her class with 36 college credits. While at Gillette Donelson will be studying Agriculture Business or Exercise Science.  

When asked why she chose Gillette College Donelson replied "I chose Gillette College because of the atmosphere. When I first met the coach, she was super enjoyable and easy to talk to too. The campus and athletic facilities are superior and convenient as well. The town is super friendly, and the college is affordable."