LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Mariena Hayden, a former two-time All-American for the UNLV volleyball program, will have her No. 7 jersey retired by the school during the Rebels' October 17 match vs. UNR, the athletics department announced Wednesday.
Hayden will become the first from the program to have her jersey retired.
"To have my jersey retired is an honor that's honestly hard to put into words," Hayden said. "This program and university gave me so much more than a place to play volleyball. UNLV gave me teammates who became family, coaches who believed in me and pushed me to grow, and memories that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. I'm incredibly grateful for everyone who played a part in my journey and helped shape me into the player and person I am today. Knowing that my jersey will forever be a small part of this program is incredibly special, and I hope it represents not only what I accomplished here, but the people, hard work, and love for the game that made it all possible. I couldn't be more proud to have represented this university."
Hayden is one of the most decorated players in program history (2017-2021), and is UNLV's all-time leader in career service aces (352) over her five seasons as a Rebel. During both the Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 seasons, she was an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American, an AVCA Pacific South All-Region selection, and earned back-to-back Mountain West Player of the Year accolades, which had never before been accomplished in program history. Hayden also helped the Scarlet & Gray claim the Mountain West regular season title for the first time.
"Mariena Hayden's legacy at UNLV extends well beyond the records and accolades she earned during an extraordinary collegiate career," said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. "She helped elevate Rebel volleyball through her competitiveness, consistency and dedication to excellence, while representing our university with tremendous pride. Retiring her jersey as the first in program history is a fitting recognition of the standard she set and the lasting impact she made on UNLV Athletics. We are proud to celebrate Mariena and ensure her accomplishments will forever be part of the history of this program."
The native of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, also became the first in UNLV volleyball history to earn All-MW honors four times in a career (2018, 2019, spring 2021, fall 2021). An eight-time MW Player of the Week, Hayden ranks first in program history in single-season service aces (114 - 2018), most kills in a season (543 - 2018) and total attempts in a season (1,323 - 2017). Additionally, Hayden sits third in UNLV history in total attempts (3,897), kills (1,484) and digs (1,445).
"Mariena is the kind of person who gives everything she has to whatever she is doing," said current Missouri head volleyball coach and former UNLV head coach Dawn Sullivan. "She is one of the hardest-working and most driven people I have ever coached, but what makes her truly special is how deeply she cares for the people around her. She brings so much life and energy to everything she does. To see her jersey retired as the first in UNLV volleyball history is incredibly special and so deserving. I feel incredibly fortunate to have coached her and even more honored that I get to continue to be a part of her life. Her impact goes far beyond the volleyball court, and her legacy will live on through the many people she has inspired. Congratulations, Mo!"
During Hayden's five seasons as a Rebel, UNLV posted a 91-56 record and advanced to the postseason four times (2018 National Invitational Volleyball Championship, 2019 NIVC, Fall 2021 NIVC, Spring 2021 NCAA). Her 2018 Rebel squad advanced to the semifinals of the NIVC. The Spring 2021 team won a program-record 13 straight contests, including defeating Illinois State, 3-1, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Hayden capped off her Rebel career in the Fall 2021 season by winning the NIVC after a three-set sweep over Valparaiso. With the win, the Scarlet & Gray became the first UNLV volleyball team to secure a postseason championship title. UNLV's 28 victories in the Fall 2021 season marked the best single-season record in program history, which still stands.
"Having Mariena's jersey retired is a tremendous honor for her and a truly meaningful moment for our program," said UNLV head coach Malia Shoji. "She represents a unique level of excellence and competitiveness, and her impact on the UNLV volleyball program is undeniable. This celebration is not only about recognizing everything she has accomplished, but also about honoring the standard she helped establish for the Rebels. As we continue to move this program forward, I am hopeful that we will have the opportunity to honor many more Rebels who embody Mariena's legacy of hard work and relentless competitiveness."
A six-time Fall Academic All-MW Team member, Hayden graduated in the spring 2021 with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. Following her decorated UNLV career, Hayden continued her volleyball career professionally overseas, playing in France and Greece before returning to the United States to compete with LOVB Madison. The outside hitter is set to return to Las Vegas after signing with the Vegas Thrill for the upcoming 2027 season.
Although her jersey will be retired, the No. 7 will remain available to current players.
