College student tees off with BHSU-Rapid City

Hayley Franke, sophomore exercise science major at Black Hills State University-Rapid City (BHSU-RC), is pursuing a degree from her hometown, while continuing to perfect the sport she loves.

Hayley teed off with BHSU-RC in fall 2016 pursuing a degree in exercise science and is a member on the BHSU Golf Team. She takes classes at the BHSU locations in both Rapid City and Spearfish.

Hayley chose the exercise science major at BHSU in an effort to blend her scientific understanding of the world with the ability to work with others and give back. “I tore my meniscus in my right knee when I was young. I received physical therapy every day for a while to rebuild my mobility. I would love to be able to give back, because so many people helped me and I wanted to do the same.”

Both golfers themselves, Hayley’s parents started her out on the courses as a young girl. She remembers taking lessons at Hart Ranch in elementary school and joined Central High School (CHS)’s team when she was still in seventh grade. She was ranked number one at CHS during her junior and senior years. While Hayley also competed in tennis, basketball, track, volleyball, and soccer, she kept coming back to the green.

“It’s a lifetime sport. You get to be outside when it’s nicest out. You’re in nature with friends and you’re always meeting new people.”

Hayley decided to continue playing golf as she set her sights on a college degree. She looked for a university that would allow her to continue her education, play the sport she loved, and remain close to her parents and younger sister, Dayton.

Since joining the BHSU Golf Team, Hayley has appreciated the strategic coaching she’s received, noticing a strong improvement in her form. She spends a lot of time practicing and even works part time at the Meadowbrook Golf Course in Rapid City. “I just want to keep getting better. My goal is to get into the lower 80s, maybe even high 70s,” Hayley says. “I can already beat my dad, so I consider that quite the accomplishment!”

Hayley says she’s become a better-rounded person thanks to the faculty at BHSU-RC. “Dr. Rachelle Greer, instructor of speech communication, helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and Scott Chandler, assistant professor of mass communication, has inspired me to experiment with film photography. I still go into the dark room to work on prints.”

This fall, BHSU-RC is offering two exercise science classes in Rapid City: “The Exercise Science Major” and “Human Anatomy & Physiology and Lab”. Visit www.BHSU.edu/RC to learn more.

About BHSU-Rapid City
BHSU-RC is located at 4300 Cheyenne Blvd. on the east side of Rapid City with easy access from I-90. The University is committed to serving veterans, has a large network of alumni living in the region, and has a business program in the top five percent of business schools worldwide. In spring 2018, BHSU-RC debuted a new block schedule providing students a flexible way to take classes.

For more information, visit www.BHSU.edu/RC