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Women's Golf 2/4/2026 8:45:00 AM Braden Golisek - Assistant Director of Sports Information

National Girls & Women in Sports Day: Hailey Bolander

National Girls & Women in Sports Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of February. This day is dedicated to recognizing female athletic achievements and promoting opportunities for girls in sports.

Today, the NMU Athletics Department is celebrating girls and women, both past and present, to honor the achievements of women in sports, acknowledge the impact of sports participation, and advocate for equality and inclusion for girls in athletics.

MARQUETTE, Mich. -- The love for competition came to Hailey Bolander from a young age, as she found herself competing in various sports in her adolescent years.

"I always loved sports. I played a lot of different sports when I was young. I enjoyed the competition and quickly realized that I wanted to continue playing at a high level."

Bolander gives credit to her younger brother, someone who she is thankful for and says helped to shape who she is today.

"He also plays golf and is a year younger. Growing up, we have always had a sibling rivalry and competed against each other. I think that really pushed me to become the player I am today."

Bolander hails from Maricopa, Arizona, and found her way to the Upper Peninsula as a freshman in 2022. While there wasn't one particular athlete she modeled herself after growing up, she was always drawn to a specific archetype of athlete.

"I always looked up to the athletes who worked hard and found success, but stayed humble throughout the process. I try to do the same: staying positive through the ups and downs, and remembering that consistent effort will pay off."

Golf may be an individual sport on the big stages, but in the collegiate ranks, there is a team aspect. Yes, you always want to compete your best, but it's equally important that your teammates are also at their best.

That group for Bolander has become more than just a team, but a special bond that she will cherish for the rest of her life.

"I love my teammates. When you are around the same people every day, you really become family. It's really fun to push each other and all work toward a common goal."

It's a phenomenal achievement to be able to compete at the Division II level, and it is something that Bolander does not take for granted. Hard work and dedication are important, but at the end of the day, she will take away more than just performances on the course.

"I am very grateful to have the opportunity to continue playing competitively after high school, and I don't take being a college athlete lightly. I show up every day not just for myself, but my team as well. At the same time, I really try to make a point to enjoy the experience."

Now in her fourth year as a member of the golf team, Bolander says that being a woman in sports, and remembering those qualities, has helped shape who she is as a person on the course, in the classroom, and will have experiences to take with her in everyday life.

"Playing sports has helped me develop a strong work ethic and resilience. It's definitely helped shape who I am and how I carry myself today as a student and an athlete. In golf, especially, you have to learn to focus on the things you can control, like attitude and effort. It's helped me deal with challenges outside of golf as well, and it's a good reminder to not always take life so seriously."

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Players Mentioned

Hailey Bolander: 5' 1"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

Hailey Bolander
: 5' 1"; Redshirt Junior