Taylor Hasselbach learned some exciting news at a softball tournament with her Finesse Fastpitch 18U team ? she was named All-American.
Hasselbach, a 2010 Clarkston High School grad, earned the honor of being named to the 2010 Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American first team.
“I was kind of surprised,” Hasselbach admitted. “I was definitely excited about it.”
Forty-eight student athletes from 40 different high schools were chosen. Hasselbach was the only athlete from Michigan to receive the honor.
“Most of the players are from Texas, California, and Arizona,” said Don Peters, head coach for the Lady Wolves Girls Varsity Softball team. “It’s a very prestigious honor.”
Hasselbach represents one of the shortstops chosen for the first team.The other shortstop is Tammy Wray of Somers, New York.
Though known for her quick work on defense, Hasselbach also brought fear to pitchers on the plate. She scored 59 runs off 67 hits during her senior year. She hit 18 doubles, four triples and 10 home runs.
Throughout her high school career, Hasselbach maintained a .569 batting average and had 241 hits and 206 RBIs.
Peters added he would look at her slugging percentage and batting average throughout the spring season and was amazed.
“Her phenomenal slugging percentage, well in the 1,000s, and batting average has helped,” said Peters. “Her statistics are as good as anyone in the country, and softball states traditionally noticed are out west and in the south.”
Hasselbach was named Miss Softball by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association in June ? a first for a Clarkston player. She was named to the All-State first team for third base.
She said her passion for the game helped her receive her honors.
“I always want to get better and I have motivation to keep improving,” she added.
Hasselbach has played softball as long as she can remember.
“My dad really got me involved with sports and played softball with me out in the yard,” she recalled.
She continues her career in the fall as she becomes a Lady Wolverine for University of Michigan.
It was a childhood dream to go to the university, and she accepted a scholarship last fall.
Hasselbach is currently getting ready to leave in September and is running and conditioning to keep herself in shape.
“It’s good for her, the softball program and Clarkston High School,” said Peters.
Honors throughout her high school career include All-State during her last three years, and All-County and All-League for the last four years.
Since her freshman year the team has won two district titles.
“It’s a fun game to play and your hard work through the year pays off for you,” she said for future Lady Wolves.