Building Block: Grafton soccer star already making a name for herself at Southeast Missouri State, racking up honors

The most prolific female goal scorer in the history of Grafton High School got off to a hot start at the next level.

Southeast Missouri State freshman Hailey Block was named Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year — the fourth in the history of her school to earn the honor —  and made the league’s second team and All-Newcomer team.

Block scored eight goals and had one assist for the season, including four conference game-winners. Her six conference goals tied for second in the OVC.

Block’s success came as she adjusted to a new game.

In high school, Block was the focal point of every defense she faced and still racked up 94 goals. The old Grafton record was 75 by 2008 graduate Lindsay Wilde.

In college, she joined top players from other communities.

“It’s fun to work with them and see how different people got to the same place I did. They push me to be a better player myself,” Block said.

She wasn’t alone in navigating faster, more physical play.

“I got help from teammates taking me under their wing, giving tips, and strength coaches helping bring the freshmen up to pace,” Block said.

Block, longtime coach Heather Nelson said, came into the season fit and ready to play.

“She made an impression day one of preseason,” Nelson said.

Block started the season playing midfield — more of swing position, Nelson said — with the plan to move her to forward.

“Hailey was getting minutes but we weren’t scoring as many goals,” Nelson said.

The coaching staff decided to move Block to striker, which requires less complex defensive responsibilities.

“She just thrived,” Nelson said. “I think our team took off, which is really cool because you’re moving a freshman.”

Block remembers her first college goal. The Redhawks’ left outside midfielder got the ball and crossed it into the box, she said, “and I was there to head it in.”

The ball sailed over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s leaping goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

“It was so exciting. The team was so happy for me,” Block said. “It was in a close game. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”

Block’s second goal came in the same contest ­— the game-winner in overtime. This time, she took a pass from the right side and knocked the ball with her right foot past a diving keeper.

Seconds later, a teammate tackled Block in celebration.

“It shows her versatility. She can dominate in air and she can create lots of ways to score,” Nelson said.

Block scored the Redhawks’ only goal in a 2-1 playoff loss to SIUE. The Redhawks won the conference with an 8-1-1 record and went 11-5-1 overall.

Block brings more than physical skill to the Redhawks.

“She is just this warrior on the field. I think there’s fire inside of her where she loves to compete. She wants to come out on top in one-on-one battles and she’s willing to run through walls for her teammates,” Nelson said.

“She’s just an absolute pleasure to be with, a wonderful leader. She’s just a dream, a package deal.”

Block said one of her favorite things about college soccer is having so many resources available — either her coaches or teammates or strength coaches, who are “always willing to work with us and make us better.”

Having a weight room available is nice, as well as a nutrition center with fruit, hardboiled eggs, waffles, chocolate milk, cereal and other snacks, she said.

“There are definitely some perks to being an athlete,” Block said.

Block took a summer school class so she could take a few less credits during the fall semester. She has a 3.8 grade-point average.

Block isn’t the only Wisconsin connection to her university. Angie Mann, a 2013 Grafton High grad, also played for Southeast Missouri State.

Five of the 25 players on last fall’s Redhawks’ roster are from Wisconsin. Block’s roommate is from Germantown and was a teammate on her North Shore United club team.

Nelson said she has had success with players from that club and the Dairy State in general.

“I love our Wisconsin kids. They are hard working, down to earth and family oriented,” she said.

Players are working in the offseason on their own. The Redhawks normally would be playing spring soccer, but it was canceled due to the coronavirus.

Coaches and trainers are staying in touch with players and providing workouts through an app, but Nelson said they’re missing some of the individual in-depth work that spring allows since the short season only has five games.

“The interesting thing about that is it’s all voluntary,” Nelson said.

“It will be a good test for them personally to see how far they can move themselves forward without the same support.”

Block said she runs on a treadmill or outside and mixes in touches with the ball against a wall or sets up cones to dribble through.

“It’s crazy because I can’t even go to the fields or track or anything without being kicked off,” she said.

In summer, Block plans to play for the Milwaukee Bavarians in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.