Hadley Snyder, 22, has called Lake Forest home for the past 13 years. She is the daughter of Dee and Mark Snyder and has one older brother, Harrison, 25. From a young age, Hadley has been driven both academically and athletically, a balance that has shaped her into the accomplished young woman she is today.

Hadley recently graduated from the University of Louisville in just three and a half years, earning a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance. She completed her undergraduate studies summa cum laude while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout every semester. She is now continuing her education at the University of Southern California, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in digital media management.

Soccer has been a central part of Hadley’s life since childhood. Inspired by her older brother, she began playing at a young age and quickly discovered it was her favorite sport. Her passion for the game led her to compete at a high level, playing collegiate soccer at the University of Louisville and now continuing her athletic career at USC.

Through soccer, Hadley has found not only success but also deep personal fulfillment. She shares that the sport has brought her some of her closest friendships and has continually pushed her to grow, both mentally and physically. As Hadley explains, “It is fun; it has led me to my closest friends; it allows me to challenge myself and work towards being better; it has the highest highs and lowest lows, but the feeling when you win a big game or achieve your goals makes it worth it.” These highs and lows of competition have shaped her resilience, and she finds the greatest reward in achieving goals and celebrating big wins with her team.

One of the most defining moments of her athletic journey came early in her college career when she suffered an ACL tear during her freshman year. Through determination and hard work, she recovered and went on to become a starter at Louisville, logging some of the most minutes on the team during her junior and senior seasons. In her final season at Louisville, Hadley helped lead the team to 11 shutouts, appearances in both the NCAA and ACC tournaments, and contributed two goals. Playing for Louisville held special meaning, as she grew up a fan of the program and followed in the footsteps of both her mother and grandmother, who also attended the university.

Balancing elite athletics with academic excellence is no small feat, but Hadley has approached it with discipline and determination. She describes herself as a relentless worker who learned early on how to manage her time effectively. This mindset allowed her to succeed in the classroom, on the field, and still maintain a full and meaningful social life with friends and family.

When asked who inspires her most, Hadley points to her parents. She credits their selflessness and unwavering support as a constant source of motivation, sharing that it means everything to know they believe in her even during moments when she may doubt herself.

Looking ahead, Hadley hopes to continue playing soccer at a professional level, with an interest in competing overseas and experiencing new cultures through the sport she loves. In addition, she plans to pursue a career in digital media and brand strategy within the sports, health, and wellness industry. While she previously considered attending PA school during her undergraduate years, discovering her current master’s program opened the door to an exciting new path that aligns closely with her passions.

With her drive, resilience, and strong support system, Hadley Snyder is a wonderful example of what it means to pursue excellence both on and off the field.