A Unique Path to the Roster

Molly Hagelie can’t remember a time when soccer wasn’t part of her life. 

That early love of the game carried her from youth leagues to high school, and eventually to Bemidji State University—though her path to the BSU soccer team was anything but conventional.

When Hagelie arrived on campus, she wasn’t a recruited athlete. Instead, she found herself navigating an unexpected route to the roster. Through determination, patience, and a willingness to embrace whatever role the team needed, she transformed from team manager to a key contributor on the field. Her story is one of resilience and the power of believing in yourself even when the odds feel stacked against you.

Finding a Home at BSU

Choosing Bemidji State was about more than soccer for Hagelie. The campus immediately felt right. 

She was also drawn to the university’s education program and the sense that a smaller school would help her thrive academically.

On the soccer side, things didn’t fall into place easily. As a small-town Minnesota player from a smaller club, she struggled to get noticed during recruiting. “BSU was the only school I could get in contact with,” she said. A former BSU player, Allie Smith, helped connect her with head coach Jim Stone, who agreed to let her try out—eventually. Until then, he offered her a different way into the program: serving as team manager.

“That was the final straw that made the decision clear for me,” Hagelie said of the opportunity to try out. Once she arrived, the campus community and the tight-knit feel of BSU Athletics made her want to stay. 

Finding Her Way

Hagelie’s journey with BSU soccer began on the sidelines. “I was not recruited to be on the team,” she said. “Coach Stone actually allowed me to be the manager… to get acquainted with the girls, get to know the coaches, and get a feel for the program in general.” She managed during the fall of her freshman year, and when winter arrived, she finally got her shot. 

From there, her role evolved. As a sophomore and junior, she played outside back—different from her lifelong position as a center back—and served primarily as a practice player. “My role was more as a practice player,” she said. “I would get some minutes here and there, but for the most part, my role was to be a supporter for my teammates.”

Her patience paid off. When roster changes opened up spots on the back line, she moved back to center back and saw her role grow. 

Growth, Goals, and Gratitude

Each season at BSU brought a new set of goals and lessons for Hagelie. As a freshman, her focus was simple: make the team. “My one and only goal was to make the team,” she said. Sophomore year was about improvement—learning the team’s style and getting better each day. By junior year, she set her sights on earning consistent minutes, but when that didn’t happen, she learned something even more valuable.

After a challenging junior season, Hagelie entered her senior year determined to enjoy every moment. 

If she could speak to her freshman-year self, Hagelie knows exactly what she’d say: “Trust in my journey and believe in myself.” Her nontraditional path taught her to be patient and resilient. “Everybody’s journey is different and no person’s path is the same,” she said. “Believe that you can do it. Work hard for it and just trust that you are where you’re supposed to be.”

Lessons That Last Beyond the Game

Soccer has given Hagelie more than memories—it’s shaped her into the person she is today. The sport taught her to show up consistently and give her best effort, to collaborate with teammates, and to build meaningful relationships. Her experience also reinforced the importance of resilience and stepping outside her comfort zone.

Now, as she reflects on her time at Bemidji State, Hagelie is grateful for every twist and turn in her journey. She proved that with hard work and belief, you can carve out a place for yourself—even if you start on the sidelines.