Editor’s note: The Star’s Zack Rosenblatt is counting down the 50 best athletes on the UA campus right now, with help from athletes, coaches and those close to the program.
No. 47: Hailey Devlin
Sport: Beach volleyball
The details: Devlin is a 6-foot-2 blocker from San Diego who contributed as part of Arizona’s No. 3 duo last season, helping the Wildcats finish fourth in the Pac-12 championships. She was a part of Arizona’s No. 5 team in 2015-16, when Arizona made its first-ever run to the NCAA Tournament. Prior to coming to Arizona, Devlin played for the USA Junior Beach National Team.
The numbers: Along with her partner Samantha Manley, Devlin managed a team-best 17-6 record — the same as Arizona’s star duo, Madison and McKenna Witt.
The value: As coach Steve Walker’s program rose through the national ranks, Devlin has been one of Arizona’s most consistent performers, even as she’s partnered with different Wildcats each season.
“To win that much with new partners every year, in a sport that relies so much on team chemistry,” Walker said, “just speaks to Hailey’s ability to adapt and be a terrific leader.”
Why Devlin? With the Witt twins now out of eligibility, the Wildcats will lean heavily on both Devlin and sophomore defender Olivia Hallaran to pick up the slack. Devlin has given no reason to think she can’t help the Wildcats stay competitive following the Witts’ departure. Devlin thinks she can become dominant, too.
“I think I have improved the most at becoming a more dominant player all around, and my blocking has improved immensely,” she said.
Proof she’s good: In three years — as Walker said, with a different partner each year — Devlin has managed to win 77 percent of her matches. As a junior, the Devlin-Manley pairing managed to win their matches against sixth-ranked LSU and eventual national champion USC.
What Devlin can accomplish: As a senior, she can lead one of Arizona’s top two pairings and help the Wildcats return to the NCAA Tournament after missing out last season.
They said it: “Hailey has been so steady for us in her time here at The University of Arizona. What will stand out if you look at her winning percentage over the course of three years is that she’s been very successful. … I look for Hailey to once again be a strong leader for us as we move into year five of the program.” — Walker
She said it: “I’ve always been the underdog or the athlete that has to work harder than everyone to see the same results. But during my time at Arizona, I have put everything into becoming the player that I am and I am proud of it and excited to see what this upcoming year has in store.” — Devlin
