Hailey’s love for chess led her to the Urban League. Her grandfather, Robert Mize, taught her all she knew about the game. He taught her skill, strategy, and to confidently lead in a space where she wouldn’t see many girls, so when he passed away – she was devastated.
Before his passing, Mr. Mize was front and center. He supported her pursuit of the sport and encouraged her to join the West Louisville Chess Club – a few months later, he did too. He began to support the senior coach in education: teaching fundamentals to the youth one-on-one. While he served in his role, Hailey blossomed under the leadership of Coach Rodney Webb and Coach Corbin; she mastered her craft and became a certified club tournament director.
Losing her grandfather brought about a grief she had never known before, but Hailey continued to play. She extended her grace and the legacy of Mr. Mize to the West Louisville Chess Club in overflowing favor: dedicating herself to developing lower-ranked players – teaching them the name of the game.
