#2 Haley Hernandez
Year: Freshman
Height: 5-11
Position: Guard
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Major: Business Administration
 
How did you get started playing basketball?
My dad always put us in sports and my older sister, Hunter, was playing basketball. I wanted to be like her so that's kind of how I got started.
 
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played softball and soccer. My second favorite sport was always softball.
 
When and why did you decide to focus on basketball?
I decided around seventh grade because I saw my sister having success in high school and a lot of college offers coming in for her. That made me realize that I also wanted to play basketball in college.
 
Other than your sister, what made you choose UCI?
I would have to say the education and the campus. The weather is beautiful here and the degree is really good.
 
How has it been having Hunter here with you as you begin your college journey?
It's been really helpful. She guides me a lot in both basketball and school.
 
You also have a twin sister nearby at Loyola Marymount. Can you talk a little about your relationship?
Me and my twin sister are super close. Since June, it is the first time we have been separated so I miss her but I know she's only about a 40-minute drive away which is comforting.
 
Overall, how important has your family been in getting you to this point in your career?
I would say extremely important. My parents have always believed in me. They sent me to a private school and put extra money and effort into me so I can make this dream happen.
 
Can you share a little about your experience in Guadeloupe this summer and anything you took away from that trip?
Guadeloupe was a great experience. It exposed me to a different culture and a new language. The weather was beautiful and the competition was great; the Guadeloupe team was really good. I would say my biggest takeaway from the trip was seeing that there's so much more to the world than where you are. You can experience so many new things.
 
What has been your most memorable basketball moment so far?
My most memorable basketball moment was my senior year of high school, playing in the state championship game at the Sacramento Kings arena. Even though we lost, it was a close game and it was just really memorable.
 
Do you have any interesting hobbies outside of basketball?
I wouldn't say interesting but I really like to make TikTok videos so I would qualify that as a hobby.
 
What would be your dream job?
Something that would be interesting to me would be working in business marketing for a makeup company.