Position: Infield
Height: 5' 10"
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Belmont, N.C.
Birthday: October 11, 1996
Daughter of Vanessa and David Stewart, Haley Stewart was a three-time all-conference athlete, and all-state as a senior, in softball before heading to Appalachian. Stewart was named softball Player of the Year and team MVP as a senior and was also a 2013 ASA Class-A 18 State and National champion.
While at Appalachian State, Stewart has certainly solidified her role on the field, even adding her name to the record books along the way. As a freshman, Stewart started and played in 20 games, finishing the year with four home runs, a .367 on-base percentage and .520 slugging percentage, good for second on the team, and one error in 100 chances, good for fifth.
Seeing action in 10 games her true sophomore year, Stewart cracked a pinch-hit grand slam in a 8-2 win over Canisius. Since redshirting, Stewart has started every game at first base with the Mountaineers and has put together a .989 career fielding percentage and .349 career slugging percentage.
In 177 games played, Stewart has managed 112 hits and counting alongside 13 home runs and 20 doubles. In 1193 put outs, she has committed only 14 errors in her career and turned 11 double plays.
Stewart has her name in the record books as she is seventh in program history for most walks in a single season with 27 in 2018.
"When you think of a competitor, Haley enters my mind immediately," head coach Shelly Hoerner said. "She has made an impact the past two years making everyone around her more competitive. I love her grit and grind that she brings every day to the field. Haley's passion for the game is unreal and I look forward to seeing her use that as a coach one day."
We sat down with Haley to find out exactly what her favorite moments were during her time at Appalachian.
Q: What's your favorite App moment as a player/student?
Haley: When I hit a home run in my very first at bat in the first game my freshman year.
Q: Best road trip memory?
H: Freshman initiation! I was so shy and didn't want to sing in front of everyone, but after I did, I felt so much closer to the group and honestly it was a good laugh.
Q: Favorite Coach Quote?
H: Rock Solid. It is something our defense really clings to.
Q: Favorite/most memorable game?
H: The comeback to beat Georgia State this year. It was an all around great team win and we showed a lot of fight.
Q: What are you going to miss most?
H: I will miss playing the game most of all. Everything about it, especially sharing the field with some of the greatest people I know.
Q: What's the one thing you will take away from App?
H: The relationships I've made and the lessons the game has taught me. It's shaped me into the person I am today. The wins and losses aren't what I'll remember; it's all the lifelong friendships I've made that will stick with me.
Q: Final message to team?
H: Keep pushing. Don't settle. This is a special program. Enjoy every minute of it!
