Haywood joined the women's basketball coaching staff ahead of teh 2025-26 season. A graduate of Montverde Academy, Hya made a significant impact on the court, averaging 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in high school. From there, she played for a year at Western Kentucky University before transferring to Three Rivers College, where she earned an associate's degree in arts.
During her time at Three Rivers, Hya's leadership and on-court performance were key to the team’s success. She averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game. As a team captain, she led her squad to an undefeated regular season, as well as conference and regional championships. Her individual performance earned her 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-Region honors. Hya's contributions also helped the team reach the Final Four, where she earned All-Tournament Team honors.
Hya’s journey continued as she transferred to Lincoln University (MO), competing in the MIAA conference, and later to Glenville State College, where she finished her collegiate playing career. In the 2022-2023 season, she averaged 10.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and led her team with 74 steals, helping the team win regular season, conference, and regional championships. Her performance earned her All-MEC Honorable Mention and All-Tournament Team honors. The team’s success culminated in an appearance in the Final Four with a 33-3 record.
In her final season, Hya led the team in scoring (18.3 PPG), assists (2.9 APG), and steals (106), while also averaging 3.8 rebounds per game. She was named 1st Team All-Conference and 2nd Team All-Region. Upon graduation, Hya earned a degree in Business Administration from Glenville State College.
After completing her playing career, Hya began her coaching journey, taking on the role of head coach for the North Junior High girls' basketball team in Evansville, Indiana. In her first season, she guided the team to a championship game appearance, finishing with a strong 12-2 record. Hya’s passion for the game, combined with her experience as a player, is setting the stage for a bright future in coaching.
