Softball smarts lead Hempfield catcher Ella Berkebile to Bucknell
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Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 11:01 AM
Hempfield’s Ella Berkebile celebrates her three-run home run against Seneca Valley on May 1.
A cerebral leader behind the plate for Hempfield, Ella Berkebile has softball instincts that allow her to control the cadence of games.
The catcher has been battery mates with standout pitchers Riley Miller and Julia Varhola, framing spots for them while also working to get groundouts and flyouts.
The junior will take those instincts to the NCAA Division I level after two more years of softball in the WPIAL.
Berkebile announced a verbal commitment to Bucknell, which plays in the Patriot League.
She also considered offers from Robert Morris and St. Francis (Pa.).
Berkebile said she developed a connection with Bucknell from an early age.
“I have been going to Bucknell camps since I was in eighth grade and have always loved the campus and that it is a high academic institution,” she said. “I wanted to stay close to home, so I focused my outreach on a few specific schools.
“I felt Bucknell was the best decision for me academically and for softball.”
Hempfield coach Tina Madison saw next-level potential in Berkebile from the beginning.
“She came into Hempfield as a freshman and started after about five games,” Madison said. “Her softball IQ is high and she has played at a high level for a long time.”
Last year, Berkebile had 16 hits, including seven doubles, two home runs and 11 RBIs.
She allowed two stolen bases in 118 2/3 innings.
“Nobody runs (on Berkebile),” Madison said. “You see her throw in warmups and that’s all she wrote for that.”
Berkebile is the fifth current Hempfield player committed to a Division I program, joining Miller (Kent State), Allie Cervola (Ohio), Lauren Howard (Virginia) and Varhola (James Madison).
All of those girls play for Team Pennsylvania Fastpitch.
“It’s always been a dream to play D1, but the last one or two years I’ve become more confident,” Berkebile said.
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
Tags: Hempfield
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