A graduate of the College of Wooster (Ohio) with a degree in history, Hayes was a four-year letter winner for the Fighting Scots. During the 2004 season, Hayes and his teammates claimed a share of the first NCAC conference title in program history. The team was selected to play in the NCAA tournament, which was another first for the Wooster lacrosse program.

Hayes has gathered coaching experience through his work at various camps, which included head coaching responsibilities at The Hill School Summer Lacrosse Camp and Fauquier County Parks and Recreation. Most recently, Hayes was the Assistant Coach for NoVa West Lacrosse during the summer of 2007.