-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Hailey Vogel of Fort Dodge compete in the girls 100 yard butterfly on Tuesday inside Dodger Stadium

As Hailey Vogel became a more accomplished swimmer at Fort Dodge Senior High, her passion and work ethic intensified.

Vogel’s perspective, on the other hand, took a different turn.

“I think the most important and effective thing I learned was that sometimes, it’s not that serious,” Vogel admitted. “Of course, you want to be good and be the best you can, but if you’re uptight about it all the time, it’s no longer fun or enjoyable.

“Sometimes you have to loosen up and remember why you’re doing all of this in the first place.”

Vogel’s ability to see the big picture and find balance in her approach helped fuel her success in the pool. The results spoke for themselves; Vogel became a school record holder in the 100 breaststroke and 50 freestyle, securing Top-10 state performances in both events this year while doing the same with her teammates in the 200 medley relay.

“I’ve come to realize that sometimes things I believed were important, really aren’t that important at all,” Vogel said. “Or at least, wouldn’t be in the long run.

“It’s essential to know when to think about the future, (versus) when to breeze within the moment.”

Vogel has been a mainstay for the Dodger swim program. She qualified for state in 12 different events over the course of her career, reaching the maximum spots as a sophomore, junior and senior.

Yet her memories now, in retrospect, aren’t necessarily about times or podium finishes. The people and the relationships stand out most.

“State was a fun time (this past fall),” Vogel said. “Team times were always a blast. When I joined the (Fort Dodge program in 2022), Makenna (Kammerer) and Reagan (Wooldridge) took me under their wing. Claire (Thompson) and Madison (Sullivan) were also the first to guide me along as well. And I already had (Dodger head coach) Ashley (Beaumont) as a club coach, so I was excited to have her as my high school coach.

“I’ve had so much more purity and outlets to express myself better than before (arriving at FDSH in 2022). I have a stable support system despite only being here for three years. And for that, I’m grateful.”

Vogel’s high school experience hasn’t been limited to just sports. Already a National Honor Society and honor roll member, Vogel has been involved in drama, speech, fall play and a variety of other activities.

“Something that’s stuck with me through the years (has been) art,” Vogel said. “I’ve been doing it for as long as I can remember, and I think I’d be the most bored person on this planet without it.

“It’s a nice outlet, and something I really enjoy doing.”

Vogel has committed to swim for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater after graduating from FDSH.

“It’s a wonderful campus and size, and the staff I met was great as well,” Vogel said. “The night I spent with the swim team was a blast. It genuinely seems like a great place to find community.”

TIMEOUT WITH HAILEY VOGEL

Vacation destination: Italy.

Person I would like to have dinner with: Brittany Broski.

It would surprise people that I: I’m afraid of the ocean and lakes.

Everyday role model: My mom.

I can’t go a day without: White Cheddar Cheetos.

Nickname: Bear, Hay-Hay or Vo-gel.

Superstition: If I don’t fix my goggles right before I race, for some reason, I instantly fear I’ll fumble.

Favorite road trip: Branson, Missouri.

What am I listening to right now? “Disease” by Lady Gaga.

Favorite athlete: Katie Ledecky.

Favorite class: Art class (drawing).

Favorite movie: War of the Worlds.

Binge watch: LOST.

Book or magazine: Alan Gratz books.

Phone app: YouTube.