UMA Moose student-athlete proudly serves in the United States military
AUGUSTA, Maine (YSCC) - On this Veterans Day 2020, we honor all that have served this great country. The Yankee Small College Conference has its share of student-athletes that have served and are currently serving, one such person is from the University of Maine - Augusta.
Daquann "DQ" Hayes, from Chicago, IL, plays basketball for the University of Maine - Augusta Moose. Hayes is a 5'9" guard in his second season with the Moose.
What makes Hayes a little more unique, he is currently serving in the United States military. Hayes started his military career in 2016 in the U.S. Army Reserve. He transferred to the Air National Guard in 2018, where he currently serves.
DQ, as his teammates call him, said many things brought him to the military.
"(The Air Force) allowed me to support myself while attending college as a full-time student-athlete through the Air National Guard. This would take care of tuition and still give me the flexibility to participate in athletics," said Hayes.
"My dream has always been to play college basketball; it's always been my passion. My high school coach, Coach Ferris Potts was my role model for pursuing my goals in the military as well as athletics," said Hayes. "Coach was the first person to tell me that I could play the game at the next level. He believed in me. He also played college and pro basketball and served in the military, so he had all the answers I needed for my intentions."
Hayes' presence has made an impact on the athletic programs at UMA.
"From the moment that DQ set foot on campus, he has been extremely involved at UMA in many facets," said UMA Athletic Director Jennifer Laney. "He is a leader in the residence halls, he serves on the executive board for Student-Athlete Advisory Club, and he has been active with our Team Impact collaboration. DQ is always the first to volunteer his time, help a teammate, or bring light to any situation. In such a short time, he has made an incredible impact here at UMA."
Hayes throws that love right back at UMA.
"UMA has been the most supportive and loving program/institution I've ever been a part of," said Hayes. "To be able and suit up and play at the Civic Center and represent the university is an amazing feeling. The coaching staff and athletic directors are the best I've ever encountered."
Do the military and basketball have anything in common? Hayes says there are similar experiences.
"In military training and basketball training, they are both physically demanding. Both (have) team aspects, and the goal for both is (finding) ways of improving for the benefit of the team," said Hayes. "The major difference is that military training gets approached with a different level of seriousness. It's one form of pressure to be at the free-throw line to win a game, but it doesn't compare to being in a situation that could determine the fate of your mission or country."
DQ said his favorite part of the military is being part of something bigger. He said he gets an immense sense of pride every time he puts on the uniform.
Hayes' ultimate goal is to give back to his community as a psychologist. "My dream job is to be a psychologist in my hometown."
With his dedication to his teammates, his craft, and the U.S. Military, DQ is well on his way to reaching that goal.
The Yankee Small College Conference would like to thank DQ and all that have served our country on this Veterans Day 2020.
DQ Hayes Q&A
Favorite Athletes: Kobe Bryant and Derrick Rose
Favorite Movie: Love and Basketball
Hobbies: Bike riding and painting
Favorite Video Game: PS2 NBA Live 06
Favorite Quote: (Self-penned) "You can receive everything you asked for and still have nothing you truly want..."
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