Miami Ohio University Athletics
STRAIGHT A TEAM: Hallie Hanks
6/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
June 5, 2008
This is the third in a series of 16 features about Miami University's brightest student-athletes. Their exceptional academic performance during the recently completed spring semester earned them a spot on the roster of the RedHawks' exclusive Straight A Team. In addition to their rigorous schedules on the athletic fields, each of these individuals earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average this past semester. Overall, during the 2007-08 academic year, Miami's 500-plus student-athletes earned an impressive cumulative 3.0 GPA in the classroom.
For the 2007-08 academic year, a to-do checklist for Miami University sophomore Hallie Hanks (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston) might have read a little something like this:
1. Help Miami Volleyball defeat nationally-ranked Ohio University twice (check).
2. Play an integral role in helping Miami win its first MAC Tournament title since 1998 and advance to the NCAA Tournament (check).
3. Finish the spring semester with a perfect 4.0 GPA (check).
Hanks' impressive checklist of accomplishments began last fall when she appeared in 26 of Miami's 31 matches and helped the RedHawks win 20 games and the 2007 MAC Volleyball Tournament. By defeating conference rival and nationally-ranked Ohio University, 3-0, in the tournament final, Miami earned its first NCAA Tournament bid since 1998. Hanks closed out the school year by compiling a 4.0 GPA during the spring semester. She was one of only 16 Miami student-athletes with a perfect spring semester GPA.
When the Miami Oxford Scholar was asked about whether college athletics or academics has proven to be more challenging, Hanks conceded, "Athletics is more challenging. Academics are definitely demanding, but I haven't struggled too much with adjusting to the college curriculum. Volleyball has been a challenge both mentally and physically, but I enjoy volleyball and have learned a lot from being an athlete."
 As a middle hitter, Hanks helped Miami win the 2007 MAC Volleyball Tournament and advance to the NCAA Tournament.  | |
Hanks cited her organizational skills and ability to "use my time wisely" as reasons why she has been able to excel on the volleyball court and in the classroom, and she is continuing to use her time wisely this summer. For the first part of the summer, Hanks will be participating in a four-week internship in the IT department of a company. After completing her internship, Hanks plans on returning to Oxford to take summer classes, condition with the volleyball team, and help Miami prepare to defend its MAC title.
Although she isn't certain of her major at this point, the one thing Hanks knows for sure is that when she graduates, she will use her Miami degree to help find a job near her home in Chagrin Falls, OH. "I plan on using my business degree to get a job close to home," said Hanks. "I'm currently unsure of my major, but if I choose accounting, I will prepare for the CPA exam with a fifth year at Miami.
Regardless of what happens with her major, Hanks will certainly be enjoying her time on the volleyball court. "This year, being undefeated in the MAC Tournament and beating Ohio 3-0 in the finals was awesome," said Hanks. "I have countless favorite memories from spending time with my teammates on and off the court."
Expect more volleyball wins, more A's, and more memorable moments from Hanks this fall.
STRAIGHT A TEAM BIO
Name: Hallie Hanks
Hometown/HS: Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston
Year: Sophomore
Major: Business
Spring Semester GPA: 4.0
Notables: Middle hitter on the 2007 MAC Championship squad ... helped Miami defeat Ohio University twice in 2007, including in the MAC Tournament Championship ... Miami's pair of victories over Ohio marked the program's first wins over a nationally-ranked opponent ... appeared in 26 of Miami's 31 matches in 2007.
