Thomas Jefferson senior Hailey Still got a Seahawks-sized surprise last Friday afternoon.
Still was awarded the Seattle Seahawks week four CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week on Oct. 4.
Since 2012, the Seahawks have recognized outstanding high school athletes throughout the state of Washington for their dedication to athletics, academics, leadership and their commitment to helping the community.
A room full of peers, a few special guests from the Seahawks, and Still’s family members greeted her with the surprise ceremony during Thomas Jefferson’s lunch hour.
“It’s a huge honor,” said Still, a three-sport athlete. “Words can’t really describe it. It’s really humbling that I [was] recognized by other people besides my school and my coaches.”
Still is the first Thomas Jefferson High School athlete recipient and the fifth athlete from the Federal Way School District to be recognized as the CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week since the program’s fruition.
Still has been a standout athlete in soccer, basketball, and softball all four years of her high school career.
As a team captain of each sport, Still has earned an array of titles including back-to-back honors as girls soccer League MVP and the Federal Way Mirror Female Athlete of the Year.
“… Our soccer program, in particular, has been able to thrive through her effort and leadership,” said TJHS girls soccer head coach Joshua Hauck at the event.
During her freshman year, Still scored seven goals against Auburn in one of her first games as a Thomas Jefferson Raider. Now in the middle of her senior season, Still has already racked up 15 goals this season.
With 102 total career goals, Still is on track to meet — or beat — the school record of most goals in a single season, Hauck said.
Still will play collegiate soccer for the University of Washington next year, a team that had eyes on Still’s skills since the fall of 2016.
Still is no stranger to earning awards and there will certainly be more accolades she’ll accumulate in the future, said TJHS Athletic Director Mike Grady.
“She’s great on the court, great on the field, but … she’s an even better person,” Grady said.
In addition to her athleticism, Still holds a 3.9 GPA while attending Running Start at Highline College, where she will graduate in June with her high school diploma and an associate’s degree.
Demonstrating her passion for helping others, Still has also been a driving force in building and installing a “Little Free Library” in her neighborhood to provide access to books for all.
Still received tickets and sideline passes to the Oct. 20 Seahawks against the Baltimore Ravens, a customized football, and a personalized 2019 Seahawks jersey at the event.
To top off the touchdown, a $1,000 grant was also donated to Thomas Jefferson High School’s Athletic Department from the Seattle Seahawks and CenturyLink.
“It kind of captures a wonderful four-year career,” Grady said of the award. “And there’s nobody more deserving than Hailey Still.”
Thomas Jefferson senior Hailey Still holds a check for $1,000 to be donated to the TJHS athletics fund, one of the prizes for being honored as the Seattle Seahawks Athlete of the Week for week four. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo
Seahawks Dancer Kylie and TJHS senior Hailey Still lead the school in a Seahawks cheer during the Athlete of the Week celebration on Oct. 4. Olivia Sullivan/staff photo
