Hannah Jacobsen has grown up around softball and playing the game is a family affair.
“I’ve been playing softball for a really long time,” says Jacobsen, who got her start at age five. “I tried playing soccer, but that didn’t work. Softball is definitely me. My mom played softball, and my grandpa used to coach my mom. He likes to come to all of my games.”
As a rising senior at Mater Dei High School, the catcher and utility player for the varsity Monarchs has made several sacrifices to get where she is today.
“You have to be committed to the sport,” says the 17-year-old. “Some of the challenges that I’ve faced is missing out on a lot of things because of practices and games. I’ve missed birthday parties, dances – things I would have liked to go to. But I’m focusing more on softball because that’s what’s going to get me where I want to go in life.”
As a three-year varsity player, Jacobsen has a distinct pride in playing for the Monarchs. She cites playing against friends from other schools and bus rides with her teammates as some of her best memories of playing high school softball.
“We can put Hannah anywhere on the field and know that she’ll be successful and get the job done,” says Mater Dei softball head coach, Jessica Foley. “The girls on our team love Hannah and look to her for leadership and guidance on a regular basis. When she feels they are having problems of any sort, she takes those problems on as her own, and is the first one to try and help them in any way she can. She has a ton of talent and so much potential.”
The Santa Ana resident is looking to continue her playing career at the collegiate level and has an interest in studying journalism and business. She serves through Campus Ministry, where she enjoys participating in outreach to the community. The aspect of faith throughout her experiences at Mater Dei has helped her grow as a player and a person.
“Going through hard times on the field or school…I always turn to God, asking him to watch over me, my team and my family,” says Jacobsen. “I really like it [at Mater Dei] because we have religion classes. The softball team goes to church every Thursday. It makes us stronger.”
When it comes to role models, Jacobsen is quick to mention her grandfather, the one who has inspired her endeavors on the softball field since Day 1.
“He comes to every practice and game – he’s always there,” says Jacobsen of her “Papa.” “He’s kept a book of all of my at bats since I was five (years old). He’s so dedicated to me and the game. I don’t know where I’d be without him. He’s super special to me and my family.”