Penn-Trafford grad Hannah Dobrinick ends college career on high note

Hannah Dobrinick played her final collegiate softball game May 9.

The senior first baseman at Otterbein could have played one more season after the NCAA allowed an extra year of eligibility because of the coronavirus pandemic, but Dobrinick said she’s ready to pursue her career.

“We’re going to miss her,” Otterbein coach Brooke Donovan said. “She’s a great person and an outstanding player. She’s had an awesome senior season. We wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Dobrinick put together quite a senior season at Otterbein, which is located in Westerville, Ohio.

She led the team in numerous offensive categories, including home runs (8) and RBIs (22) heading into the final four Ohio Athletic Conference games against Ohio Northern.

The 2017 Penn-Trafford graduate was batting .430 with 43 hits and six doubles. She has 14 career home runs and 49 RBIs. Her 2020 season was cut short after nine games because of the coronavirus.

“It was time to move on,” Dobrinick said. “I’m looking for a job.”

Dobrinick was a four-year letterman at Penn-Trafford and is in the sports management program at Otterbein, an NCAA Division III school.

“It’s my lifelong dream to own a sports facility,” Dobrinick said. “I never had that opportunity to work out at one when I was growing up, but now I had to give back to the sport. It will be more than sports. It also will teach life lessons.”

Otterbein (14-21, 11-20) likely won’t make the conference tournament this season. Dobrinick called the team’s chances slim.

“We’re just happy to be playing,” Dobrinick said. “When we found out that we were playing 40 games, we were stoked.”

Dobrinick said she has a simple approach to hitting: “see the ball and hit it.”

“I’m just looking to get on base and hit it hard,” Dobrinick said. “I get into grooves when I’m hitting.”

Dobrinick said hitting a home run off Hempfield’s Morgan Ryan was a memorable moment during her high school days.

In college, going 6 for 6 and receiving five walks in a three-game series against Heidelberg was a memorable collegiate moment. She earned OAC Hitter of the Week, her second of the season.

“I was shocked that they intentionally walked me in a game,” Dobrinick said. “We had runners on first and third and they walked. I laughed and took it as a compliment. “

Dobrinick did homer against Heidelberg, a clout she call a moon shot that landed on the school’s athletic building beyond the left field fence.

She said Senior Day was an emotional day, and she’s sure her final game will be too.

“I’m going to miss my friends, teammates and competition,” Dobrinick said. “But I’m looking forward to giving back. I’m not sure I’ll ever coach, but if I do, it will be as an assistant.”