Nothing in life is certain. 

One’s life constantly changes as they move from place to place and meet new people almost every day. People grow and change and constantly strive for new heights. 

Missouri women’s basketball forward Hayley Frank is no exception. She is nowhere near the same person she was when she committed to the University of Missouri as a junior in high school. But there has been one lifelong, unshakable constant for Frank: basketball.

The Frank family is full of athletic legacy, specifically basketball. Hayley’s father, Steve Frank, was a varsity basketball player at Clopton High School in Clarksville, Missouri. His father, Bob Frank, spent 33 years as both a coach and athletic director. During their four years together at Clopton, the father-son duo reached three Final Fours and two state runner-up finishes.

“I was in the gym when I was barely able to crawl,” Steve said. 

Steve played two years at East Central Junior College and two years for College of the Ozarks at the NAIA Division II level. It was there he met his wife, Mona, who was a member of the volleyball team at the time.

After collegiate basketball, he pursued a life of education and coaching, becoming a Missouri High School basketball legend in the process. During his 28-year-long career, Steve amassed a 533-117 record and was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. 

Steve spent a large part of his coaching career at Seymour High School outside of Springfield, Missouri. Hayley spent a majority of her childhood living in Seymour, admiring and learning the game from the high school players on her dad’s teams.

“After all of my dad’s games, I would always ride home with him and we’d talk basketball,” Hayley said. 

Steve’s crowning achievement was his work at Strafford High School, his wife’s alma mater. The job opened up when Hayley was in seventh grade and the Franks made the 40-minute move from Seymour to Strafford. In Steve’s final four years as head coach, Strafford won 115 straight games and four state titles. Those teams were led by Steve’s daughters: Hayley and her twin sister, Kayley. 

Similar to their father, the Frank twins have been married to the game of basketball from a young age. Not only did the twins serve as rebounding partners for each other, but the pair also inspired a high level competition.

“Mizzou fans think that I’m tough and hard-nosed, Kayley’s a whole nother level,” Hayley said. “We weren’t allowed to play one-on-one when we were little because it was so competitive and it always ended up in a fight.”

Kayley recalled a time during a game in middle school where Hayley yelled at her for missing a layup. The argument continued to escalate and became physical.

“I tried to throw a punch at her,” Kayley said. “My dad subbed us both out and yelled at us on the bench.” 

Eventually, the two found ways to put their differences aside, which led to success on the court. Hayley averaged 20-plus points, 12-plus rebounds and six-plus assists per game in each of her last three seasons at Strafford. She finished her high school career as the all-time leading rebounder in Missouri with 1,629 rebounds. Hayley also ranked No. 5 in assists with 824 and No. 8 in points with 3,003.

This individual success led to two Missouri Gatorade Missouri Girls Basketball Player of the Year awards for both the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons. Hayley became the first girls basketball player to win the award back to back in Missouri since Nicole Lehman for the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons.

These eye-popping numbers were noticed by the town of Strafford, as the community began to rally around the team. The town was impressed by the dominance of Strafford women’s basketball along with their familiar connection.

“Our high school gym was almost a sellout every game,” Hayley said. “The community really liked the way we played the game of basketball as well as the success we were having.”

During Hayley’s senior year of high school in 2019, the population of Strafford was only 2,464. With a town that small, the Franks still get recognized whenever they visit. 

“I still can’t go to the grocery store without running into three or four people that I know,” Kayley said.

This small town success was noticed by Missouri head coach Robin Pingeton, who viewed Hayley as a perfect fit for the Missouri mold. When Hayley took her official visit during one of Missouri’s football games in 2017, she concurred that it was the perfect spot. 

“I was meeting with Coach [Pingeton] and I ended up telling her ‘this is where I want to be,’ so I just went for it,” Hayley said.

While it’s been a long time since Hayley’s commitment, Pingeton vividly recalls the decision. 

“I still remember that day as if it was yesterday,” Pingeton said. “It’s gone way too fast.”

Hayley made the choice due to not only culture, but MU’s proximity to home. Kayley has moved on from Strafford, playing collegiate basketball at College of the Ozarks, the alma mater of both her parents. Steve made the decision to move on from full-time coaching to work as an assistant coach at College of the Ozarks to stay close to Kayley’s career. Steve is still involved in the Strafford community, as he currently serves as Strafford Middle School’s assistant principal and girls golf coach at Strafford High School. 

“Being able to carry that tradition … it just makes it that much more special,” Steve said. 

While still in the same state, Hayley lives three hours away from the rest of her family. But she views this separation, specifically from Kayley, as positive, especially since they’ve been able to grow as individuals.

“It’s been really special to watch [Kayley’s career] from afar as opposed to being in it together,” Hayley said.

Kayley echoed a similar sentiment when reflecting on her time in college away from her twin sister.

“It pushed me out of my comfort zone to become my own person in a sense,”  Kayley said. “I’m glad that we both get to live out our college careers as our own person and have our own friends, but still come together and share our experiences.”

One of Hayley Frank’s closest friends at MU is former teammate and current graduate assistant Haley Troup.  Originally from Gadsden, Alabama, Troup originally signed with South Carolina before transferring to Missouri in August of 2017. She sat out the 2017-18 due to NCAA transfer rules. After four years playing for the Tigers, Troup’s role on the staff as a graduate assistant ranges from scrimmaging the team to serving as a mentor to teach collegiate basketball.

It was the fall of 2017 when she met Hayley on her official visit. The two developed an immediate connection, but it came from so much more than just a name. Troup’s father was also her high school coach back at Gadsden City High School.

“[We’ve] learned the game of basketball from a young age which is so important to have a high basketball IQ,” Troup said. “It’s something that I see in her every day, and it’s just a testament to how [Hayley] grew up.”

Pingeton expanded on Hayley’s high basketball IQ, explaining how much easier it makes life as her coach.

“You can tell she’s a coach’s kid, the way she thinks strategically and tactically,” Pingeton said. “She’s a really fundamental player.” 

This basketball intelligence stands out on defense, where Hayley uses positioning instead of verticality to disrupt shots around the rim.

“She’s not the quickest or the most athletic player on the court,” Pingeton said. “[But] I think it just goes to show the due diligence that she really puts into understanding the game and the scout [report].”

It wasn’t always this way, as it took Hayley several years to make the necessary adjustments needed to play collegiate-level defense.

“As a freshman, I was not a great defender at all,” Hayley said. “I definitely think it does come with five years of experience and just being in the right place at the right time and having a good understanding [of] the game.”

Another big part of Hayley’s defensive game comes from her ability to draw charges. This year, she has drawn 31 charges. These plays aren’t only important for gaining extra possessions, but also for swinging momentum and building excitement in the arena.

“I think it is sort of a skill I’ve developed of being able to get your body in that position and fall correctly to kind of sell it,” Hayley said. “We call them momentum changers in practice … there’s so much energy that comes from the crowd and from your teammates when everyone’s standing over you yelling. It’s such an energy giver.”

This unique skill was quickly noticed by her teammates, and immediately became one of her signatures.

“I think it takes a special person to take that many charges just because it truly is a mental toughness,” Troup said. “For [Hayley] to be able to sustain that for five years … it’s one of her signatures [that] makes her who she is … She’s gonna do whatever she needs to do for the team to be successful.”

While Hayley’s defensive growth has been notable, she’s also found new ways to expand on a solid offensive foundation. During her freshman season, Hayley averaged 11.8 points and four rebounds. In her final year, those numbers have jumped up to 16.2 points and 7.4 rebounds as of Dec. 28.

This continuous improvement is also demonstrated in Hayley’s free throw game. During her first four collegiate seasons, she made 86.5% of her free throws. However, this number wasn’t good enough for Hayley, as she aims for larger heights.

“Free throws are always something I’ve taken pride in,” Hayley said. “I’ve had the goal since high school that I want to be a 90% free throw shooter for the season.”

In order to accomplish this, Hayley made the decision to change her form during the offseason.

“She came to that conclusion on her own,” Pingeton said. “[But] if she wants to make that adjustment, I’ll support her.”

In addition to her form change, Hayley has made sure to set a consistent routine every time she steps to the line: two dribbles, a two-second pause, one deep breath, release.

These adjustments have paid dividends, as Hayley is shooting 92.5% from the line this season, including a streak of 32 made free throws that came to an end during the Illinois game. 

This sort of dedication has translated to recognition, including the following collegiate awards: 2019-20 All-SEC Freshman Team, 2021-22 Co-SEC Player of the Week for Jan. 4, 2022, 2021-22 All-SEC Second Team, 2022-23 All-SEC First Team and 2023-24 Preseason All-SEC First Team.

Hayley has already etched her name into the Missouri record books, ranking No. 4 in points with 1,942 as of Jan. 29. She is 177 points away from passing Renee Kelly for No. 3.

“I take a lot of pride in this program, and I’ve shown a lot of loyalty to it,” Hayley said. “I think it’s an honor to be on that list.”

Hayley’s national attention began to rise nearly two years ago on Dec. 30, 2021. Missouri was prepared to take on No. 1 South Carolina in Columbia, Missouri. Due to COVID-19, Missouri was down to only seven players. Two of the players who were eligible to play were Hayley and Troup.

“I just remember looking at the probabilities before the game on ESPN … we literally had not even [a] 1% chance [to win],” Troup said.

But that didn’t discourage the Tigers; instead, it empowered them.

“No one else [believed], but we [believed] and that’s all that matters,” Hayley said. “That mindset really carried over to the game.”

After a grueling game that came down to the wire, Missouri handed the Gamecocks their first loss of the season 70-69 in overtime. Hayley played a huge role, dropping 21 points on 7/8 shooting and 3/4 on 3-pointers while playing 43 of the 45 minutes.

“It was a battle, but we found a way, and it was just a pretty special memory all together,” Hayley said. 

In her final season, Hayley is the longest-tenured player on the roster. With her combination of experience and skill, she has emerged as a vocal leader of the team. 

“I just told her the other day, she’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around and I’ve played with a lot of people,” Troup said. “I think she deeply cares about her teammates and about this university, about the program, which makes her even more special.”

Hayley’s competitive nature extends into the classroom, as she is a four-time member of the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies and she spends plenty of time in the library to accomplish such a taxing major.

“How you do anything is how you do everything,” Hayley said. “It’s the standard I hold myself to and just being the best I can in all the areas of my life.”

Despite her laundry list of accomplishments, Hayley remains selfless and humble. When asked about success, she will always defer to the team before speaking highly of herself.

“I don’t think it’s ever been about Hayley Frank,” Pingeton said. “She has, from day one, been so entrenched in the process of becoming the best version of herself that she can become as a basketball player, and more importantly as a human being. It’s been really cool to see her stay so true to exactly that.”

In addition to her work as a teammate, Hayley embodies what it means to be a great person and a true friend. 

The Pingeton family motto is “No Limits,” and it’s used to show a never-ending search for success and becoming your best self. Hayley made a painting incorporating this motto back at Strafford High School to show support for Pingeton and her son with Down syndrome. The painting hangs in Pingeton’s office to this day. 

“Just based on her value system, there’s a connection out of the gates,” Pingeton said.

Troup not only spoke highly of Hayley as a basketball player, but also as a friend. Some of her favorite memories with Hayley, who she refers to as “Frankie,” include the drives they would take to talk about more than just basketball. 

“In those moments I didn’t call anyone else, I called Frankie,” Troup said.

One thing Troup mentioned that is unique to Hayley is her love for karaoke.

“Specifically ‘Before He Cheats’ by Carrie Underwood,” Troup said. “It’s her go-to.”

Another unique trait mentioned by Kayley was Hayley’s love for horses when she was younger. The Franks made the decision to get a pony when the twins, and Hayley was hooked.

“Her whole room was decorated in horses … she had a cowgirl hat, the chaps, the boots, everything,” Kayley said. “She kind of took it to an extreme for a couple of years.”

In addition to her relationships with her team and her family, Hayley enjoys inspiring the next generation. She has hosted several camps for young girls back in Strafford to help develop the same passion for basketball that she had.

“I was that kid to a lot of my dad’s players growing up,” Hayley said. “It’s a full circle moment.”

Hayley hopes to lead the Missouri Tigers (11-10) back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. Regardless of whether she succeeds, Hayley Frank will go down as one of the greatest players to don the black and gold in Columbia.

Edited by Quentin Corpuel | qcorpuel@themaneater.com

Copy Edited by Briana Iordan

Edited by Sophie Rentschler | srentschler@themaneater.com