Circleville senior Chandler Hayes recently signed to continue playing softball at Ohio Christian University, an NAIA institution. Hayes was a first-team Mid-State League Buckeye Division and Southeast District selection last season, batting .522 with a home run, eight doubles, three triples, 17 stolen bases and 24 runs scored.
Question: Talk to us about the recruiting process that you went through, how many schools that you looked at and what made Ohio Christian the right fit for you?
Answer: I visited many schools but I decided on Ohio Christian because it’s close to home, it’s affordable, it’s a Christian school and they had the major I was interested in.
Question: What would you like to major in at OCU?
Answer: I would like to major in Early Childhood Education and minor in Worship Leadership. I want to become a teacher so I can make a difference in children’s lives and show them unconditional love. God has blessed me with musical gifts and I want to share the love of Jesus through my music.
Question: What has led to your success in softball? What are your strengths as an athlete and what are a few areas you’ve had to work at the hardest to improve?
Answer: I wouldn’t be the player I am today without the wonderful coaching I’ve had. Jeff Allen, Jerry Bowlby, Joe Ogg, Dave Truex, Jada Truex and my dad were essential to my growth. My dad has been beaming balls at me since I was four years old. My strengths are my knowledge of the game, my leadership and my throwing velocity. Areas I’ve worked on include base running/speed and hitting. I’m always trying to increase my speed and batting average. Hitting is all about timing and you constantly need to work on that.
Question: What is your favorite brand glove and bat to use, and why?
Answer: My favorite glove brand is Wilson because that’s all I’ve ever known. My first Wilson glove just gave out on me last year so, I bought another just like it. My favorite bat is the Easton Ghost. I’ve broken about six of them but it’s a hot bat. I love the way it sounds and the way it feels.
Question: What are your team and personal goals for the upcoming season?
Answer: My team goal for this upcoming season is to win the Mid-State League Buckeye Division championship and go far in tournament play. My personal goal is to raise my batting average and throw some people out catching! Last year, I was first-team All-MSL and first-team All-Southeast District and I would love to receive those honors again, maybe even State recognition!
Question: Is there a softball player that you look up to and try to emulate?
Answer: On a national scale I would say Sis Bates because she was one of the top shortstops in the country and she always has a smile on her face. I also look up to my travel ball teammates that I’ve played with on my Vikings Elite 04’ team and my Central Ohio Pride 03’ Gold team.
Question: Favorite meal?
Answer: Steak and a baked potato.
Question: Favorite place to eat out at?
Answer: Texas Roadhouse
Question: Favorite musical group or genre?
Answer: Eagles and country music.
Question: Favorite movie?
Answer: The Notebook
Question: Hobbies?
Answer: I play guitar, drums, piano and I sing. I also enjoy working out!
Question: Favorite holiday?
Answer: Christmas, because it is the happiest time of the year and most importantly, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!
Question: What is your most valuable possession?
Answer: My Bible.
Question: Something that no one knows about you?
Answer: I play in a band with my dad and his students.
Question: What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on in your life?
Answer: Our high school softball team is going to Florida for spring break and I’m really excited to make great memories with them.
Question: Favorite memory from the Circleville Pumpkin Show?
Answer: Being crowned the 2021 Miss Pumpkin Show Queen! It was one of the greatest honors of my life.
Question: What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now and living if life goes as you intend?
Answer: I see myself working as a teacher, coach and I plan to pursue music ministry.
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