Haley Broomell has set a new standard for the term "student-athlete" at Neumann. A Biology/Clinical Laboratory Science major, Haley won the university's John A. Phillips Scholar-Athlete Award and the Valedictory medal at the April 21 academic awards convocation.
The Valedictory medal is presented to the student who earned the highest GPA in the graduating class, and who demonstrated leadership and involvement in community service congruent with the University’s mission and core values.
Recipients of the John A. Phillips Scholar Athlete Award are graduating student-athletes who have maintained academic excellence; earned varsity letters in NCAA-sponsored sports at Neumann; and best exemplify scholarship, service for others, and commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.
In addition to these two awards, Haley won the Sister Margaret Lewis, OSF Award for Excellence in Clinical Laboratory Science, the David Barton Sumner Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship, and a certificate for completing the University Honors Program.
In the classroom, she has received excellent marks from her professors since her first year at Neumann. After her freshman year, she spent the summer involved in scientific research on phages, viruses that infect bacteria. “I learned lab technique, perseverance, and how to think like a scientist,” she explained. Haley has already landed a job at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and has been accepted into the master's degree program in Occupational Therapy at Temple University.
On the softball diamond, she has received numerous honors: Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Pitcher of the Year, CSAC First Team, CSAC All-Academic Team, the Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area Team, Capital One Academic All-District First Team, and National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American Scholar Athlete. During the first week of April this season, Haley pitched a no-hitter and a perfect game.
The softball team is 23-11 this year (17-1 in conference play).