All About First Non-Kicker Player Haley Van Voorhis

Haley Van Voorhis (age 19, born in 2004) is an athlete from Plains, Virginia. What makes Haley super special is that she’s the first woman in NCAA football to play a non-kicker position.

She made history by becoming the first woman in NCAA football to play a position other than kicker. Her groundbreaking moment came during a game against Juniata College on a memorable Saturday.

In her debut appearance during the first quarter, Haley Van Voorhis showed her skills as a safety. She blitzed on a crucial third down play, putting pressure on the opposing quarterback with a hurry and hit. Her contribution played a vital role in forcing an incomplete pass.

Before her historic NCAA appearance, Haley spent two seasons honing her football talents on Shenandoah University’s JV team. But her athleticism doesn’t stop at football. She’s also an active member of the Hornets’ track and field team, where she excels in sprints and relays.

Haley’s sports journey doesn’t end there. Her bio on the Shenandoah athletics’ website highlights her success as a two-time MVP on her high school basketball team at Christchurch School.

How did Haley become the first female non-kicker football player?

Haley, a junior safety, etched her name in football history by stepping onto the field during a game, changing the game forever. It happened towards the end of the first quarter on a crucial 3rd and 7 play. With her incredible determination and skill, Haley registered a QB hurry, applying pressure that led to a fourth-down situation.

The Eagles, her opponents that day, faced a tough test and failed a fourth-down conversion early in the game. Seizing the opportunity, the Hornets, Haley’s team, embarked on a 67-yard drive, culminating in an 8-yard touchdown run by AJ Maxwell. This electrifying run marked the fourth play of the drive.

Only three minutes later, Maxwell once again found the endzone for his second touchdown of the game. The Eagles’ struggles continued as their next drive ended abruptly, with Jake Jack forcing a fumble and Matt Conroy making a crucial recovery.

In the following plays, Steven Hugney connected with Jayron Thompson for an impressive 40-yard reception, setting the stage for the next Hornets’ touchdown. This time, Aidan Metzger carried the ball into the endzone, extending the lead to 20-0 in the first quarter.

The trend continued as the Eagles faced more challenges, fumbling on their very first play. Paul Battle and the Hornets swiftly capitalized, securing the ball in the red zone. Metzger’s third touchdown of the game capped off the four-play drive, pushing Shenandoah further ahead with a 28-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Hugney showcased his versatility by adding both a rushing and passing touchdown, propelling the Hornets to a commanding 42-point lead. His rushing TD covered one yard with 7:27 to go in the half, and he connected with Braden Domenico on a 29-yard pass five minutes later.

Shenandoah’s special teams also played a crucial role as Dylan Tubbs’ squib kick was recovered by the Hornets, effectively keeping the Eagles’ offense off the field.

In the third quarter, Maxwell delivered his fourth and final touchdown of the day, dashing into the endzone from 12 yards out.

Despite a late Juniata score, the Hornets expertly managed the clock in the final frame, thanks to eight rushes by Bryce Buchanan. Buchanan finished the game with 10 carries for 39 yards.

Hugney led all Hornets in rushing yards with an impressive 78. In the air, the quarterback completed 15 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown.

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From Basketball to Football: The Journey of Haley

Haley, a 5-foot-7, 150-pound Non-Kicker from Plains, Virginia, first caught the attention of Shenandoah University football coaches in December 2020.

They were impressed by her skills after watching her film and seeing her perform at a scouting event in Richmond. That’s when they recruited her as a defensive back, marking the beginning of her college football adventure.

But before her football journey, Haley was making a name for herself on the basketball court. She was a standout player and even earned the title of MVP twice during her high school years at Christchurch School.

Unfortunately, Haley’s senior year of high school sports was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She missed out on her final year of football and lacrosse.

However, she didn’t let that stop her. During the spring, she played as a strong safety for the D.C. Divas in the Women’s Football Alliance. Her performance was so impressive that she made it onto the all-WFA team, recording 21 solo tackles in just five games.

What’s important to know is that her involvement with the D.C. Divas was allowed under NCAA rules because it happened before she enrolled full-time in college, and she paid to play on the team, as confirmed by her mom, Heidi.

Haley Van Playing Against Boys Since Fifth Grade

Haley Van Voorhis was born in 2004 in Plains Town, Virginia, to her mother, Heidi Van Voorhis, and father, Chandler Van Voorhis.

Haley’s passion for football started early. She joined a coed flag football team in fifth grade, where she was the only girl on the team. This love for the game stayed with her throughout her life.

She attended Kettle Run High School, where her sports journey began. She played junior varsity football as a wide receiver and defensive back during her freshman year.

Later, she transferred to Christchurch School, a boarding school in eastern Virginia. There, she excelled in basketball, lacrosse, and football.

At Christchurch School, Haley made history as the first girl to play high school football. She played as a wide receiver and defensive back and even became the team captain during her senior year.

Haley’s determination and skills have made her one of the most experienced female football players in her county. Beyond football, she’s also a talented basketball player known for her skills as a shooting guard.

One summer, she had the opportunity to work out with Joe Harrington, a former coach from George Mason University, at Wakefield School.

Haley Van Voorhis FAQs

Ques: What is Haley Van Voorhis’s age?

Ans: Haley is 19 years old.

Ques: Who are Haley Van Voorhis’s parents?

Ans: Mother: Heidi Van Voorhis and Father: Chandler Van Voorhis.

Ques: What is Haley Van Voorhis’s Height?

Ans: Van Voorhis is 5 feet 7 inches tall.

Ques: Which football team has Haley Van Voorhis been playing for?

Ans: Shenandoah University football team.