UAH athlete Haley Nichols goes from adversity to achievement, helping others along the way
By: Paris Morris
Multiple surgeries, a devastating tornado, and launching a new business - even through adversity Haley Nichols proves she can’t be stopped from pursuing her passions on and off the court.
Nichols, a senior studying management at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Business, is a star basketball player for the UAH women’s basketball team. Her journey began at eight years old when she started playing competitive basketball. From there she never stopped - earning numerous awards in high school for her athletic performance. Nichols was an eight-time varsity letter winner, placed second in the nation at the junior olympic games, and placed in the top five at the state meet back-to-back
Prior to joining UAH, she was enrolled as a student-athlete at The University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin) where she was faced with many life challenges. She experienced a challenging inquiry, requiring surgery and hours of physical therapy. She also experienced the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of a beloved family member, and a tornado that devastated the Martin community. However, even through each challenge, Nichols found ways to bounce back.
After the tornado hit, Nichols didn’t waste any time. The tragedy in the Martin community moved her to volunteer for many weeks cleaning up the city and helping those affected by the tragedy. She said, “Being able to help those in need mentally and physically was heart warming for me. Seeing people lose everything due to the tornado was very sad. I enjoyed being able to help prepare meals and help clean up the town.”
Nichols makes it very clear that basketball is truly her passion, but volunteer work is also incredibly important to her. She currently helps prepare meals for those in need through SERVE, a volunteer organization that helps provide hope for those in need. She also volunteers at Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that provides bunk beds to children and families in need. Additionally, she volunteered at the Salvation Army for over five years, while also assisting with various children’s camps. “I have always tried my best to be an example for patience, determination, and excellence,” she said.
Another characteristic that makes Nichols stand out is her entrepreneurial spirit. While she was in high school, she launched a lawn care business in her community. Now looking back, she said, “Starting a lawn care and landscaping business taught me responsibility, respect, and hard work. Being able to provide a service that helps others was great to have. Having this business gave me the chance to meet and talk with others in the community frequently which was an amazing opportunity.” She was even able to buy her own car, still receiving calls from clients four years after graduation.
Nichols notes how grateful she is to those who have supported her throughout her life. She says that her life experiences, combined with her father’s unconditional love, have shaped who she is today.
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