A Lion’s roar: Quincy native Hayes preps for final college season with St. Louis club in USL 2

ST. LOUIS — Cole Hayes isn’t harboring any grand illusions.

A summer spent playing in a semi-professional developmental soccer league won’t change that.

“I’m not pigeon-holing myself into it’s do or die,” Hayes said of the possibility of a professional playing career. “If that opportunity does present itself, it’s something I can pursue after the fall. And if that opportunity comes around, I definitely will at least take a crack at it.”

Success in United Soccer League 2 could open that door.

Hayes, a Quincy Notre Dame graduate and former all-conference performer at Quincy University, has one goal in six games for the St. Louis Lions, who have fashioned a 6-0-2 record and are the only undefeated team in the Heartland Division.

The striker’s goal came in a 4-1 victory over Springfield ASC, but he’s seeing an increasing role in the attack each game. He logged less than 30 minutes in his first three games, but played 90 minutes in last week’s victory at Springfield.

It should have him well prepared for his final season of collegiate soccer. Hayes transferred to Palm Beach Atlantic University, an NCAA Division II school in the Sunshine State Conference, as a graduate student.

The Sailfish went 13-3 last fall and lost in the opening round of the NCAA South Regional.

“Really for me and I think for a lot of the guys who play this summer in USL 2, it’s a chance to stay in shape,” Hayes said. “We’re all competitive guys and we;re all coming from competitive schools across the country and we want to win, but the real focus is staying sharp, staying on the ball and preparing for the college season as well.”

Hayes is playing alongside guys from every collegiate level — NCAA Divisions I, II and III and NAIA.

“It’s guys with all kinds of different backgrounds, different coaches, different experiences at their schools,” Hayes said. “It’s interesting to see how we all mesh as a team considering how everybody has a different style of play.”

The Lions’ success is a byproduct of the quick buy-in and chemistry the players have developed.

“In the summer, it’s a challenge because you have guys arriving whenever their school finishes,” Hayes said. “So you have guys arriving early, guys arriving weeks late. It’s a challenge to get everyone to gel and put a team out instead of just 11 guys.

“I think that’s been an interesting balance for me and everyone else as well.”

Hayes was a two-time all-sectional selection at QND before twice being named to the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference third team while at QU. Last fall, Hayes scored seven goals and had two assists in 14 games, while leading the Hawks with 20 shots on goal.

Although he played both wing defender and forward at QU, his natural position is up top, where he is playing this summer and expects to play at PBA.

“That’s where I feel most comfortable,” Hayes said. “That’s where I’ve made my money so far so to speak.”

Unlike previous summers, where he’d work out with other former QU players such as Aubrey and Cooper Reis at Legends Stadium, Hayes is trying to capitalize on the opportunity to play more regularly.

“There’s nothing you can compare to getting game time and getting minutes in an actual game,” Hayes said. “Training on your own is one thing and it’s definitely an important aspect, but there’s nothing that can prepare you and keep you playing sharp like playing in games and competing every day.”

It should allow him to walk onto the PBA campus and compete immediately.

“My main goal here is to continue to build confidence, stay in shape, stay on the ball,” Hayes said. “I’m hoping it prepares me the best way possible for a season in Florida.”