Tag Archive for: softball recruitment

MACK HEADING TO THE MAC

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CORTLAND OH– Mack Stowe, Lakeview High School’s standout softball player and the YSN Defensive Player of the Year, has officially announced her verbal commitment to Kent State University, where she will continue her academic and athletic career at the Division I level.

In an interview on YSN Live, Stowe shared the challenging yet rewarding recruiting process. “It wasn’t an easy process,” Stowe admitted. She described the stress of getting on coaches’ radars, especially as she worked hard to improve her hitting while maintaining her defensive skills. Key to her development was traveling weekly to work with Coach Matt in Pittsburgh, an experience she credits with boosting her confidence and performance. Stowe’s connection with Kent State began early, participating in their clinics and camps since freshman year, and she emphasized how the university’s coaching staff and culture quickly felt like home. “They just preached about how they saw me commit to the process of doing better and being better,” Stowe reflected, adding that proximity to family also played a crucial role in her decision.

Stowe’s impact stretches beyond the field. She takes particular pride in being a role model and leader for her teammates and the larger Lakeview community, stressing the importance of empathy, faith, and remembering that the game is “more than just softball.” As she looks ahead to her senior year, Stowe is focused on breaking more records, mentoring younger players, and cherishing her final season with the Bulldogs. “In the next four years, it’s going to be spent at a really great place,” she said, her sights set on continuing her journey of growth and leadership—on the diamond and beyond.

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CITY ON THE HILL

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JEFFERSON OH-  Jefferson senior Allie Hill is preparing to take her next big leap, both academically and athletically, as the standout Falcon readies for graduation and a future playing softball at the University of Rio Grande.

In a recent interview with YSN, Hill opened up about the emotional landscape of her final season, the tight bonds she’s formed with teammates, and the support system that’s fueled her journey. “It’s hard, but I just try to think about what I’m leaving behind,” Hill shared, reflecting on her senior year. She credits a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere on her team for making this year especially meaningful, saying, “We have a very good team this year. Not even skill-wise, just personalities—we’re a big, big family.” Throughout her rise from Jefferson’s local fields to the broader competition in travel ball, Hill’s passion has always been about uplifting others: “Sometimes I feel like I treasure their success more than I treasure mine. I just like supporting people and inspiring them to do better and stay positive.”

Hill’s journey has always been a family affair. Inspired by her sister to pick up the sport, and supported every step of the way by her parents, she credits them with pushing her to seize every opportunity. “Both of my parents, they take me as far as they can to try to get me the best opportunities they can,” she said. Next fall, Hill will head south to Rio Grande in Ohio, where she plans to play softball and major in business and accounting—hoping to one day help her father’s future business. She’s looking forward to the close-knit feel on campus and finding a familiar sense of home there. As she prepares to leave Jefferson behind, Hill has some simple advice for underclassmen: “Just try your best to have fun. Having fun is the most important thing. And supporting your teammates, having each other’s backs—being a family.” With a legacy of positivity and teamwork, Allie Hill is leaving her mark on Jefferson softball—and is ready for whatever comes next.

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