Tag Archive for: McKenna Hogan

DON’T TRY DEFYING GRAVITY

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By Ty Bartell


AUSTINTOWN OH- The position of catcher in baseball and softball is often talked about in the same breath as offensive lines for football. A case where if things are going wrong and everyone points a finger, but when things are going smooth it is often glanced over. However, when talking about the backstop for The Austintown-Fitch Falcons Softball Club you find the gravity that holds everything together in senior McKenna Hogan. 

Hogan has always exemplified leadership qualities on the team, whether it was taking younger players under her wing to talk softball or just jam in the car or being the sensational battery combination with Sydnie Watts, whatever the case, Hogan has always given her all. 

Another thing known about the sport of softball is that there are ups and downs. While having the leadership abilities a year ago, Hogan was not happy with her average and offensive production following the 2022 season and immediately looked to improve. What most do not realize is the time that goes into the craft during the offseason and Hogan put in all the hours and more when nobody was watching. 

Coming into the 2023 campaign, Hogan immediately showed improvements behind the dish. Previously good defensively for her ability to bring down the rise ball of Sydnie Watts. Now going from good to great, Hogan now possesses a cannon for an arm, one that is taking down Division 1 baserunners at an impressive clip! Beyond that, Hogan is batting .439 with 13 RBI on the year, raising her average a total +.164 from a season ago, Hogan continues to defy those who doubt her!

Finding a home with The Notre Dame College Falcons, Hogan will continue her career at the collegiate level, accomplishing a dream that she had since she was a child. From catching current Penn State lefty Lydia Spalding, to sophomore sensation Sydnie Watts to “J-Stack” Julianna Stachowicz. Safe to say, Hogan has gotten experience catching high-level pitchers prior to the start of her college career!

Learn about the highlights of McKenna Hogan’s career, some of her biggest inspirations inside and out of the sport and much much more. You do not want to miss this edition of Player Profile as Ty Bartell and Anthony Hartwig sit down with “Gravity” herself, McKenna Hogan!

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HOGAN AND MITCHELL SIGN ON TO NEXT LEVEL

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AUSTINTOWN OH-

The Austintown Fitch Falcons softball team has two more players signing to the next level! As The Falcons left-side of the infield specialist, starting second baseman Caitlin Mitchell and the catcher for Austintown, McKenna Hogan have both made their college decisions! Both Fitch seniors will stay Falcons as they will be a part of Notre Dame College in Cleveland this time next year. 

Mitchell, a .362 hitter across 46 games in her career at Fitch, while also sporting a 1.000 fielding percentage in her junior campaign, will look to take her two-way talents to the next level.

 

Hogan, a .330 career hitter, swatted three home runs this past season for the regional runner-up Austintown. Hogan has also only committed a single error across 447 total chances behind the plate for The Falcons, she will look to continue her success at the collegiate level.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

 

HOGAN COMMITS TO NOTRE DAME COLLEGE

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Austintown Fitch standout catcher McKenna Hogan has been a staple for the Falcons during her career, and a big name in the local softball community. She has worked harder than anyone to achieve her goal of getting to play softball at the next level. Now, her dream is becoming a reality. She has made the decision to commit to Notre Dame College to continue her academic and athletic career.

in her statement on social media McKenna had this to say. “I want to thank my Mom, Dad and my brother Garrett for always being there to support me and always being there for me whenever I needed them. I
want to thank Coach Kim, Coach Nikki and Coach Ed for providing an environment where my love of softball started. You have always believed in my abilities even when I didn’t. I would not be
here without your love and coaching. You will always be my family. Thank you Coach Ward, Coach Becky and Coach Bob for allowing me to grow at Fitch and
always believing in me. Thank you for always raising the bar and holding us accountable. To Dan tor helping me believe in myself in the weight room and
on the field. You are missed by all of us. I want to thank all of my friends and teammates for always having my back and being there for me. With that
being said, I am extremely proud and excited to announce that | will be continuing my Academic and Athletic career at Notre Dame College. I cannot thank Coach Stopp and Coach Coleman enough for having faith and confidence in me and allowing me to continue my dream of playing collegiate softball. I am so proud to be a part of your Falcon family. I
guess it’s true, once a Falcon.”

McKenna also came on to YSN’s Running Point to talk with Anthony Hartwig and Scottie Mincher about her decision, what went into it, and how excited she is for the future.

 

HOGAN’S A HERO

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- While she doesn’t walk out to “Real American” like Hulk Hogan, she represents that idea each time she makes her way to the dish.  Austintown Fitch’s McKenna Hogan has made her name from the hard work, dedication, and character she brings to seemingly everything she does.  While she can charm you with her personality, she can harm you with her skillset on the diamond.

Hogan has been the leader behind the plate for Coach Ward’s troops this season, and has helped along with teammates who may not have the experience, but have all the talent in the world.

Every coach’s dream.

Hogan’s work both on the field and in the classroom showcases her value to recruiters and coaches from sea to shining sea.  Her ability to handle complex gameplans, communicate with coaches, and handle pitchers is a tool that can’t easily be taught but instead must be inherited.

YSN’s Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell caught up with the Fearless Falcon, McKenna Hogan, in this week’s Austintown Fitch Player Profile: Hogan’s a Hero.

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