Malden senior Hailey Rojas signs to play softball at Missouri Baptist University

Photo by Jeff Dorris, staff
Malden senior Hailey Rojas recently signed to play softball at Missouri Baptist University in Creve Coeur. Pictured from the left at the signing are Jeremy Meese, Misty McCoin, Hailey Rojas, and Justin Rojas.

Malden senior Hailey Rojas has signed with Missouri Baptist University. The Malden Green Wave senior will be attending the four-year school in Creve Couer, Missouri, on a softball scholarship.

Rojas recently reflected on her softball career and her hopes for the future.

“I moved to Malden in the eighth grade,” Rojas said. “I played baseball for the Parks Department and then I started in softball and really liked it. I fell in love with the sport.”

Rojas played third base her senior season.

“I can actually play any position, except pitcher,” stated Rojas.

Rojas shared she has enjoyed her time at Malden High School.

“I like going to school here,” she said. “I fit in here perfectly.”

Rojas stated softball coach Kelsey Snider had helped her a lot with her goal.

“She encouraged me to go to Missouri Baptist, because that's where she attended,” she said.

Rojas also provided that JAG teacher Mike Kilgore had a big influence on her.

“He opened my eyes into furthering my education and going to college,” she said. “He helped prepare me for it.”

Rojas said she plans on majoring in criminal justice.

“I've met the people from Missouri Baptist and they are all nice,” she said. “The campus is really beautiful. I'm looking forward to going there."

Coach Kesey Snider had high praise for the graduating senior.

“I had the opportunity to coach Miss Rojas for three years,” said Snider. “Obviously, last year was cancelled because of COVID.

“From her sophomore to her senior year she has improved tremendously.” Snider continued. “She has one of the softest gloves I've ever seen out of any player on third base. She's got one of the best bats around. I think her batting average is in the .500's, which is amazing for a high school softball player.

"Her attitude is also amazing,” Snider added. “She's one of the best all around softball players I've ever had the opportunity to coach. I think she's going to do some great things at Missouri Baptist.”