Hempfield’s Hoffner opens recruitment

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Thursday, March 28, 2019 | 9:26 PM

Sophomore Emma Hoffner still plans to play Division I softball, and has the talent to do so.

But the Hempfield all-state catcher is going to explore her options before making a firm commitment.

Hoffner has opened her recruitment after initially committing to Saint Francis (Pa.) as a freshman.

Head coach Jennifer Patrick-Swift, who recruited Hoffner, left St. Francis for North Carolina State. Then, the NCAA changed its recruiting rules, prohibiting coaches from talking to prospects until their junior year.

The two developments led Hoffner to her decision.

Hoffner said she could still consider St. Francis but wants to see what else is out there.

“I am not sure if the (scholarship) will still be there (in two years),” Hoffner said. “There are a lot of schools out there. I may end up going farther away. Maybe in the ACC.”

Hoffner went 4 for 4 with a home run in Thursday’s 11-6 loss to North Allegheny.

Last season, she batted .432 with 20 RBIs. She delivered the game-winning hit in the PIAA Class 6A championship.

Hempfield has won four straight WPIAL titles and three straight PIAA championships.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Hempfield