Get to know Hayley Verbunt
- Age: 21
- Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
- Sport: Rowing
- Event/Category: Women’s Eight
- Olympic History: Paris 2024 (4th in Women’s Eight)
- Club: Mercantile Rowing Club
Hayley's story
Commerce student Hayley Verbunt began her rowing journey at 14 after a transition from competitive hockey. Seeing that her school was experiencing a shortage of coxswains, Hayley quickly stepped up to the role under the mentorship of John Novak, Alistair Isherwood, and Sarah Ben-David.
In 2021, Hayley's rowing career saw a breakthrough when she was selected for the Victorian Youth Women's Eight team. In the same year, she clinched the U21 Australian title for the Women's Four category. In 2022, she expanded her expertise coxing for both Victoria's Youth Eight and the U23 Men's Eight at the Australian Rowing Championships.
Her momentum continued into 2023, where she made her senior international debut, securing a gold at the Rowing World Cup II in Italy and a bronze in the Rowing World Cup III. She earned an Olympic spot for Paris 2024 after winning a bronze medal at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in the Women's Coxed Eight.
At Paris, her Australian crew finished second in their heat, third in the repechage and fourth in the Final.
Beyond competitions, Hayley dedicates her time to coaching young rowers.