One beloved Nucla High School girl, Haylee Smith, was injured in a car accident the morning of Oct. 15, coming down 25 Mesa Road above the Town of Nucla. The high school senior has been in Saint Mary’s Hospital since the wreck with life-threatening injuries. Now community members in various towns are coming together to show their support.
A varsity volleyball player, Smith is well-known on the Western Slope. To honor her last week, Teya Yeomans, of Mancos, held space before a volleyball game. Yeomans who’s faced Smith on the court over the years gave a short speech mentioning that regionally players “are one.” Then, fellow volleyball girls put yellow roses into a bucket, and those flowers have since been delivered to Smith in the hospital.
In Norwood, volleyball player for the Mavericks Kendra McCluer has been giving short prayers before volleyball games to honor Smith, acknowledge the tragedy and wish her well. Similarly, twelfth-grader Dilyn Alexander, of Norwood, spoke a few words to honor Smith in her speech for senior night.
The outpouring of love does not cease. At the Mustang’s game against Plateau Valley on Saturday, opponents presented balloons and a sign to the Nucla girls in honor of Smith.
And, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, the Nucla-Norwood volleyball game will be dedicated to her, and all are asked to show up in blue, Smith’s favorite color.
Mustang volleyball coach Debbie Wytulka made a statement over the weekend.
“Haylee is in good spirits and is taking on the challenges her medical team is giving her,” Wytulka said. “Haylee, her mom, her family, our team and our school are very appreciative of the support and prayers coming in from the other communities.”
The Oct. 25 gate fees for admission will go toward the family’s medical expenses. Additionally, a bake sale has been organized in the teen’s honor. A silent dessert auction, the volleyball girls themselves are making baked goods for it. And, local dessert makers from Nucla to Norwood are also contributing.
Smith has been a part of both Nucla and Norwood communities and has attended both schools. No doubt she is loved and has much support in both places. All those attending Wednesday’s game are invited to make cash donations to help Smith at this time.
Misty Galley, of Nucla and a Mustang volleyball mom, said a fundraiser dinner is also in the works. She said organizers are waiting for the next medical updates, and then they’ll proceed with planning the event. Galley said likely an online portal for donations will exist in the near future.
Smith, in addition to being an athlete, is also a horsewoman and lover of all things agriculture. She has participated in gymkhana and junior rodeo throughout her life. She’s also a 4-H member with 4 Stars Livestock and has shown a variety of market animals at the fair over the years.
Her 4-H leader Cimmy Alexander of Norwood said her crew is pulling for Smith.
“Haylee is a strong and determined young lady,” Alexander said. “She accomplishes everything she sets her mind to, and I’m sure with that mindset and the unwavering love, support and prayers of our communities she will continue to get stronger and heal. Please join us and help support Haylee wherever you can.”
High school-middle school principal for Nucla Malisha Reed released a statement to the San Miguel Basin Forum on Sunday too. Reed said the school community continues to wish Smith well.
“The school family sends Haylee and her family our love, prayers, and support during her recovery,” she said.
