Hempfield’s Howard commits to Virginia softball team

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Friday, October 25, 2024 | 4:48 PM

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Virginia, they say, is for lovers.

Hempfield’s Lauren Howard loved everything about the University of Virginia, where she has verbally committed to play softball in college.

Howard, a junior, plays third base for the Spartans. She made an instant impact as a freshman and has become a regular in one of the state’s most potent lineups.

She also had offers from Maryland, Ohio State and Villanova.

Howard said she anticipates playing shortstop or second base when she joins the Cavaliers in two years.

“UVA is very competitive in both academics and athletics, which was really important to me,” Howard said. “(And) it is also relatively close to my sister.”

Another Howard, now a former Spartans’ standout, is Maggie Howard, Lauren’s sister who plays at Georgetown.

“UVA has always been one of her top schools, so I’m so glad it worked out,” Maggie Howard said. “Growing up playing together and seeing her live out her dreams is amazing.”

Both girls have zeroed in on Division I college careers since they first put a ball on a tee. Playing hundreds of games a year, with travel teams and high school level, has sharpened their skills and given college coaches film to ponder.

“It means so much,” Lauren Howard said about playing at the highest level of the college game. “I’m so happy and excited to accomplish such a big dream of mine.”

Howard batted .381 with 14 hits and a home run last season as Hempfield went 18-2 and reached the WPIAL 6A semifinals.

While the numbers dipped compared to her debut season, Howard was terrific at third base.

Hempfield coach Tina Madison, a former D-I pitcher at Penn State, recognizes more than on-field talent in Howard, who goes by the nickname “Lou.”

“Lauren lights up the room when she walks in,” Madison said. “She is a natural leader with her infectious personality. She has the ‘it’ factor that you can’t take your eyes off of when she plays.

“She is humble and lighthearted and brings fun to the game to everyone around her.”

As a freshman, Howard broke onto the scene when she hit .443 with 35 hits, 14 RBIs and a program-record 36 runs as Hempfield won the WPIAL Class 6A championship and finished second in the PIAA.

She boasted a 1.146 OPS.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Hempfield