Immaculate Heart Soccer Star Commits To Rutgers University

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A local champion soccer star will play for Rutgers University.

Hayley Baer, a midfielder, was a member of the Mahwah High School and Immaculate Heart Academy soccer teams in high school.

"I chose Rutgers University because not only is it a prestigious academic school, but it has highly competitive Division I sports, as well," Baer said. "I've been coming to Rutgers to visit ever since I was a little girl and I fell in love with the campus and its atmosphere every time."

Baer was a three-time all-league, all-county and all-state honoree in 2014, 2016 and last season. She led the team in goals and assists and led Mahwah to a state sectional championship in 2016 and Immaculate Heart Academy in 2015.

She is an eight-year captain of the NJ Stallions Stampede and guided the team to the 2017 National Cup title.

"Hayley is a proven leader whose competitive nature is very contagious," said head coach Mike O'Neill. "She has had success at every level and we look forward to adding a quality player with a winning mentality to our program."

Baer has also been very successful academically. She was a four-year member of Minds In Motion for earning high honors as a varsity athlete. She was also a member of the National Honor Society throughout her high school career.

Baer spoke highly of O'Neill and the Rutgers coaching staff.

"The family atmosphere they create around the team and the reward of playing at such a high level of soccer really drew me in," Baer said. "I am very proud to be representing my home state on the collegiate level."

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