Athlete of the Week: Hayley Doughty accounts for all five Panther goals in draw against Placer High

The 2022-23 athletic season is the first that West Park High School has seniors competing across a number of sports. For the girls' soccer team, it wasn't an upperclassmen who had an impact recently as freshman Hayley Doughty scored a hat trick and added two assists, accounting for every goal in a 5-5 draw against Placer High on Friday night. The Lady Panthers are currently tied for second in the Foothill Valley League and have yet to lose a league game. They have a lot of senior talent with players such as Erica Grilione and Madison Hamm but players such as Doughty and sophomore Bella Madigan have been stepping up for West Park High. Grilione and Hamm scored the two goals that Doughty assisted in the game against the Hillmen. Gold Country Media asked Doughty some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about playing soccer at West Park High School? Doughty: "The best thing about playing at West Park High is being able to meet new players, make new friendships and getting the chance to learn my high school coaches' style of play. I'm grateful for getting the opportunity to play on varsity as a freshman." How long have you been playing soccer competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Doughty: "I've been playing club soccer for five years. My family, especially my dad, is my biggest motivation. My dad has always been there for me throughout my soccer journey, and I just want to always make him proud." Did any of your family members play sports and at what levels? Doughty: "My dad played college baseball and my mom won nationals as a competitive cheerleader." You accounted for all five goals last Friday night in a big league game against Placer High, including three goals and two assists. What was working so well with your attacking play in the contest? Doughty: "Going into our game against Placer High, I knew this was probably going to be one of our toughest challenges so far. During the game, I was really focused on understanding Placer's style of play, so that way I can try and anticipate their next movements or their next pass. I also knew I had to really stay focused and locked in through the whole game and take advantage of every opportunity I got." You also get to play with other solid attacking players such as Madison and Erica. How have they helped you get adjusted to the speed of varsity soccer and just your game in general this season? Doughty: "Erica Grilione and Madison Hamm have helped me throughout this season. I've learned certain things by watching them, for example, how they compete every second there on the field, their confidence, timing of runs and their composure under pressure. My IQ and confidence have grown because of them." What are your biggest goals for the rest of your freshman season? Doughty: "My goal for the rest of my freshman year is to keep improving both physically and mentally." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Doughty: "When I was little, I played basketball but I was terrible so I started focusing mainly on soccer around 9 years old." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Doughty: "My favorite athlete is Sophia Smith; she plays for the United States Women's National Team and Portland Thorns. She's my favorite player because I love her competitiveness, attacking mentality, confidence and she always seems to be having fun on the field." What has been your favorite class in school and why? Doughty: "My favorite class would have to be leadership. Leadership has taught me new skills on and off the field, and it was just a fun class." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Doughty: "I listen to a lot of country, but before every game, my teammates and I like to listen to Mike Sherm." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Doughty: "My favorite restaurant would have to be Chipotle. I always get a chicken bowl and a lemonade." Outside of school and playing soccer, what do you like to do in your free time? Doughty: "Outside of soccer I am usually hanging out with my friends or family. But most of the time, my dad and I go to practice soccer by ourselves just to get some extra training in." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Doughty: "When I am older, I would like to be an attorney or a traveling nurse." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Doughty: "If I could give advice, it would be to never give up and always push yourself and work hard in everything you do. You can never just expect something great to happen overnight; it takes time and hard work."