By Matt Nixon
Bailey Hatchett is a Georgia State University scholarship athlete and a Presidential Scholar.
The diversity of Georgia State’s student population and the cultural opportunities available in downtown Atlanta were a major draw for Hatchett. But it was her athletic achievements on the volleyball court that first put Georgia State on Hatchett’s radar.
“I fell in love with Georgia State on my first visit here,” said Hatchett. “It was my recruiting visit and I loved Coach Van Fleet and was so impressed with everyone I met, all the opportunities in downtown Atlanta, and all the resources the school offers to help me in my career.”
But success on the volleyball court and in the classrooms of Ronald Reagan High School in Pfaff Town, N.C., only tells part of Hatchett’s story.
A more complete picture of the Class of 2022 honors student would include her folding her 6’1” frame into the tiny chairs of an elementary school cafeteria where Hatchett would eat lunch with underprivileged children.
Despite a rigorous academic load and year-round practice, Hatchett chose to spend the free period of her last two years at Reagan High volunteering at Petree Elementary School. There she would join her grandmother in bringing lunch to students in need and then stay to eat with them.
“Getting to know the personal stories of some of the kids—growing up in poverty and, at times, really rough environments—and having the chance to listen and maybe help was so meaningful to me,” said Hatchett. “Their experiences were so different from mine and connecting with them is something I became passionate about.”
Hatchett plans to study business with a focus in Spanish. She’s long been interested in the culture of various Spanish-speaking countries.
“Receiving the Presidential Scholarship and having the support—outside of athletics—offered through the Honors College means a lot to me,” said Hatchett. “The internships and study abroad opportunities are important to me, as is getting entrance to a community of scholars and similarly academic-minded peers.”
For more information about the Presidential Scholarship or to apply, go to https://honors.gsu.edu/the-presidential-scholarship/