New coach eager to help Quaker Valley softball keep moving in right direction

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, March 17, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Quaker Valley softball coach Kaci Hott has a new title but is not new to the program.

A middle school math teacher in the school district, Hott was an assistant for the Quakers last year and previously coached at Trinity Middle School.

She officially was named QV’s head coach at the Feb. 20 school board meeting.

“I am honored and thrilled to accept the position of head softball coach at Quaker Valley,” the 25-year-old Hott said. “I am deeply grateful to the administration, the athletic department and the entire Quaker Valley community for entrusting me with this responsibility.

“Getting to coach in the district that I teach in is incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to build the Quaker Valley softball program.”

Along with her coaching experience, Hott played on a Trinity softball team that advanced to the PIAA playoffs in her sophomore year. She was a catcher/second baseman for the Hillers.

Hott also served as the head student manager for the Penn State softball team for three years.

“It is with great excitement that we welcome and introduce Kaci Hott as our new head softball coach,” QV athletic director Mike Mastroianni said. “Kaci has been a part of our athletic department family as an assistant coach in several sports, and we look forward to her leading our softball program.”

Since being hired, Hott has been busy incorporating her game plan for the team for the 2024 season. QV’s assistants this year are Carrie Lowen Hoose, Cristi Schreck and Mary Josey.

“My basic coaching philosophy is simple and focuses on three small goals,” Hott said. “One, compete in everything that you do. Two, focus on getting 1% better each day. And three, play for the people next to you; we are better together.

“If we can do these three things, we will be an incredibly successful team.”

Quaker Valley is a member of Section 2-3A along with Beaver Falls, Central Valley, Ellwood City, Hopewell and Mohawk.

“I’m filled with excitement. One of the most thrilling aspects of this season is the return of all our players from last year’s roster, as well as the addition of some new underclassmen,” Hott said. “We are a young team. We have no seniors and only three juniors. We are returning six starters from last season. They were freshmen last year with no varsity playing experience. This year, they will return and have that year of experience under their belts. They know the level of play they’re up against. They know the pitching they will face. They’re prepared and have grown as players themselves.

“We ended last season better than where we started, and I cannot wait to continue on this trajectory together, improving each day and competing in all that we do. Our pitching looks stronger, we have a more solid and complete defense this year, and our bats look better. I expect us to compete in our section and be able to finish the season better than where we started.”

QV’s projected starting lineup consists of sophomore Leah Weisser (CF), freshman Avery Persuit (LF), sophomores Gemma Wiegand (3B), Bella Jarrett (C), Olivia Hoose (P), Natalie DeGori (SS), Grace Carver (2B), freshman Giada Capezzuto (1B) and sophomore Berlynn Sopko (RF).

Keira Myers (DH/OF) and Jadyn Holt (OF), both juniors, have been vying for the DH spot. Sophomore Donika Keo, freshman Jaynie Helsel and junior Mae Kruawangmon will continue to compete for starting positions.

Weisser, Persuit Capezzuto are new starters for the Quakers.

“I’m excited to have them join our team and make an impact for us,” Hott said. “I truly believe that as a team we have an amazing opportunity to create lasting memories, write our own story of triumph and resilience and to leave an indelible mark on the field of play.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

Tags: Quaker Valley