Triathlon a tool for Poe’s philanthropy
South Fayette native wins big in sport
Hailey Poe distinctly remembers her first triathlon. The South Fayette native was 7 years old and she did not win. In fact, she was one of the last finishers in her age group.
“I rode a pink Barbie bike and was crying on the run,” she said. “When I finished though, I knew I would do it again. This was my thing.”
With better equipment and an improved attitude, Poe became a champion. She won that youth triathlon the following year and has been winning ever since. In fact, she’s an NCAA champion.
“The first time I competed in a triathlon, I didn’t know what to expect but the next year, I realized I could turn on a competitive switch,” she said. “I knew I could do something in triathlon.”
With her Fuji Supreme carbon fiber road bike, Poe accomplished something special. On Nov. 9, she became a four-time national champion. During the USA Triathlon Collegiate Division III Championships held at Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, Fla., Poe not only won the individual title, she helped the North Central College’s women’s triathlon team win its third straight title.
Poe completed the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5K run in one hour, five minutes and three seconds. She finished 63 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.
Poe got off to a strong start, completing the swim in 10 minutes and 50 seconds, which was fourth among Division III competitors. She won the bike section with a time of 31 minutes and 59 seconds and finished second in the run, posting a time of 20 minutes and 33 seconds.
“When you have won for three years, there are a lot of people expecting you to get the fourth, and I was one of them,” Poe said. “The focus was on having the best season I could and to be happy with myself. The pressure is exciting because it helps you be the best person and competitor you can be.”
Each championship had its challenges and highlights.
As a freshman, Poe battled her psyche as she was coming off a crash during the regular season.
“It was super in my head but I got my confidence back for nationals,” she said. “It was an exciting moment for me because I put the experience of crashing behind me. Actually, I was out of the water first and on the bike by myself the whole time.”
Poe’s second national title “mirrored” the first as she again was out of the water first and on her own during the cycling. She extended her lead during the footrace.
“I felt unstoppable,” she said. “My lead kept growing. It was a super great race for me and my team. It was exciting to watch them also come in and then win the team title.”
Last year, for the first time, all three divisions competed together. Athletes were ranked and separated into heats. The race, Poe said, required a different strategy because there would be competition around her the entire race.
“It was a grind. I hammered it out though,” she said. “I did not finish first overall but when you took out the other divisions I won and compared to last year, I was 1:30 faster on the same course.”
Poe embraced being thrown together with all the collegiate competitors. “It’s good to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. It makes you better,” she said.
WATER WORLD
Poe is at her best in the water. While both her parents, Lori and Dave, were standout runners, Poe gravitated to swimming. At an early age, she picked swimming for the Hunting Ridge Stingrays in Upper St. Clair over joining a track club.
“I hated running,” she said. “When I started swimming, I loved it.”
Poe swam for the Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics Club (PEAQ) and at South Fayette High School. She also ran cross country for the Lions, who won WPIAL titles from 2017-2019.
While she was a three-sport athlete at South Fayette, participating in track as well, Poe was a member of the Student Government Association, among other activities.
“My years at South Fayette were so important in building me up, especially in leadership,” she said. “Dr. (Felix) Yearace and my coaches believed in me and my leadership ability.
“Sports and my experiences shaped me. What we built at South Fayette was special. It’s great to be part of that legacy and knowing that you really helped the programs transform.”
At North Central College, which is located in Illinois, Poe isn’t just transforming the athletic program. She is a three-time scholar All-American that maintains a 3.937 QPA in her sports management and ethics leadership classes.
A student mentor, Poe is heavily involved in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee as well as Special Olympics. Last year, she helped organize a regional corn hole tournament at the university. Corn hole is an emerging sport for the Special Olympics.
“I have had some of the coolest experiences and it’s been such a fulfilling part of my journey and personal development,” Poe said of her extracurricular activities. “Volunteering with the Special Olympics has been most fulfilling.
Upon graduation next spring, Poe plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports administration and sports sociology. She’ll continue her triathlon training, which is extensive. She swims four times a week, covering between 12,000 to 13,000 yards. She bikes 60 miles a week and dedicates two sessions to big rides on weekends. She runs about 20 miles per week. She also devotes time to mastering the “fourth discipline” of triathlon – the transition zone.
“They’re super important and it takes a lot of multitasking getting through them,” she said of shedding a wetsuit, swim cap and goggles or changing shoes from bike to run. “You have to be super quick.”
FINAL FEAT
Earlier this fall, Poe had to be fast on her feet. She learned that she was a finalist for the Alexander Award, which is the most prestigious award honoring an outstanding female collegiate triathlete. The distinction not only recognizes excellence on the racecourse but exemplary academic and community service achievements.
Three finalists, representing all divisions, were flown to Atlantic City, N.J. Donors and Olympians attended the gala.
Poe, like any woman, fretted over the formal function.
“I had nothing in my closet to wear,” she said.
Poe though found a “little black dress” in downtown Chicago, where she has participated as well as watched triathlons. Then Poe went on to win the award.
“I am sure it was a hard decision because all three candidates were deserving. So I was shocked when I heard my name announced as the winner. It was an incredible experience.”
Poe was even more impressed with the founder of the award. Dave Alexander, who has participated in over 300 races, founded the Tri-Dave Legacy Trust to support women’s collegiate triathlon. He launched the USA Triathlon Kids Tri program in Phoenix, where the previous collegiate championships were held. He also supports the Arizona State University triathlon team.
“Mr. Alexander has really stepped up in supporting the women’s triathlon. Because it’s a very expensive sport, it’s hard to convince athletic departments to take the sport on. But, he’s making sure the sport continues and grows.
“He’s amazing. A cool person,” Poe added. “He recognizes the value of what good a sport can do and how sports, in general, can help the world and individuals grow as people.”
Poe added that Alexander’s philanthropy “resonated” with her.
“He’s giving back with sports and sports is my method of giving back through mentoring. He’s a role model. Inspires me to pursue that mission in my life,” she added.
Although she hopes to participate in an Ironman Triathlon some day, Poe does not plan to become a professional in the sport. Upon completing her education, she hopes to go into college athletics, working in administration or coaching.
“I want to work with student athletes and leadership development,” she said. “The goal is to promote personal growth in others and to give back to society in any way that I can.”