Sports
Hayden becomes first UNLV volleyball player honored with retired number
UNLV retired Mariena Hayden’s No. 7 jersey before its Oct. 17 match against Nevada, making her the first player in program history to receive the honor. The former Rebel holds multiple career and single-season records and is set to return to Las Vegas as a professional player in 2027.
UNLV retired Mariena Hayden’s No. 7 jersey on Oct. 17 before the Rebels’ match against Nevada, recognizing the decorated outside hitter as the first player in program history to have her number raised in the rafters.
Hayden played five seasons at UNLV through 2021 and finished as the program’s career leader in service aces, with 352. She was named Mountain West Player of the Year twice and helped the Rebels post a 91-56 record and make four postseason appearances.
Her program records include 1,997 career kills and 5,144 total attempts. In single-season marks, she holds the records for kills, with 543 in 2018, and service aces, with 114 that same year. Her 1,323 total attempts in 2017 also remain a program record. Hayden ranks third in career digs, with 1,445.
“Coming from a small town, I never thought anything like this would be possible,” Hayden said in a release. She said the honor reflected the work she and her teammates put in, adding that being the first Rebel volleyball player represented a special milestone.
Hayden is expected to return to Las Vegas after signing with the Vegas Thrill for the 2027 Major League Volleyball season. She has also played professionally in France and Greece.
Hayden said returning to the city where she completed her college career would be a “full circle moment.” Thrill owner Michael Landier said the organization was pleased she had earned the distinction and welcomed the chance to have her play for the team.