Swim instructor, soccer coach, and committed staff member at Commonwealth Senior Living Gloucester House, Haley Hamilton does it all.
Since graduating from Gloucester High School in 2018, the 21-year-old Gloucester native has found active ways to stay involved in the community where she has resided her entire life.
After completing her coursework at Rappahannock Community College in less than a year after graduating from GHS, Hamilton transferred to Old Dominion University. Her original plan was to attend Christopher Newport University and take online courses and commute for any in-person courses. Since the school was not offering any online courses at that time, Hamilton decided on ODU so she could continue working at Riverside Wellness Center while earning her degree online.
While she was in college and before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton also volunteered at Bethel Elementary School, where she attended elementary school.
At the wellness center, Hamilton has worn many hats. She started there as a lifeguard, and has also performed nursery, janitorial, and front desk duties.
“I like to try to do everything,” said Hamilton.
She also coached a youth swim team, “The Cruisers,” at the wellness center for six months before the organization made the decision to go back to only-swim lessons. Now, every Monday after work she gives private swim lessons to mostly elementary school-aged children.
When she was a junior at ODU, Hamilton was asked to help coach middle school girls for Baystars soccer. Now she is the assistant coach for the U13 Marlins soccer team. Hamilton enjoys coaching the girls in soccer as well as in life, serving as a role model and a listening ear.
Hamilton began playing soccer with parks and recreation, and moved onto Baystars once she was old enough. She then went on to play for the varsity team at GHS for her four years.
“It’s really neat getting back into that circle on a different level,” said Hamilton about going from soccer player to coach.
Since October, Hamilton has been grateful to have such a rewarding job after completing her bachelor’s degree in marketing last spring. As sales coordinator at Gloucester House, Hamilton views herself as both a salesperson and a counselor. She helps families figure out if Gloucester House is the right fit for their loved one and is able to give them peace of mind about their decision.
“It’s something that lifts me up and makes me want to come to work every day,” she said.
Hamilton has been working recently to bring awareness to what Gloucester House is all about. She said it is not a nursing or retirement home, but community living facility that is always bright, clean and comfortable for residents. Instead of being in a clinical atmosphere, residents can enjoy a home-like community while being able to receive help as they age.
“It is so homey, but they can get the care they need,” said Hamilton.
The most gratifying part of her job is being able to give back to the seniors in her community.
“It’s just so rewarding that I’m using my degree to help people,” said Hamilton.
Having lived in Gloucester her whole life, Hamilton is able to make connections with others easily. She said that everyone wants to graduate from high school and move away from their hometown, but staying has been rewarding for her.
“It has helped my career flourish more,” said Hamilton.