Bulldogs’ Hoffman off to Fairfield

Kaitlin Hoffman has played softball everywhere.

She’s played with travel teams across the entire country during the summer, and has been the star of the Northern Lehigh High School team in the spring.

All of that time and hard work has paid off as she will call Fairfield University her home after she graduates from Northern Lehigh.

“I was down in Florida playing in a tournament and they gave out recruiting cards,” said Hoffman. “I emailed the coach and she said she really wanted me to visit. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to go … All of the girls are just awesome. Fairfield in general is a great university, and I’m very excited to go there.”

Hoffman has won the Times News Softball Player of the Year award over the last two consecutive seasons — and for good reason.

Last year for the Bulldogs, she hit .492 with six home runs, and has now tallied over 100 hits for her high school career.

“It’s a big stress lifted off my chest,” she said. “I can just focus on the game now (during her senior season) and not worry about any of the extra things.

“I was looking at a bunch of different schools. But as soon as Fairfield’s offer was on the table, that was it. I knew they had everything I was looking for.”

Hoffman will also make any sacrifice in order to help her team. She prefers to play infield, but in the circle last season, she racked up 152 strikeouts over 108 innings.

“She’s a hardworking kid,” said Northern Lehigh head coach Robert Hicks. “She’s in the weight room a lot and plays softball year-round. She’s’ a very talented athlete and one of the hardest working players I’ve ever coached.”

In fact, she’s now training to play outfield at the next level.

“Last year Fairfield won the MAC conference, which gives them a direct route into the College World Series,” said Hoffman. “The first game they played LSU and only lost 2-1, which is great against an SEC school. For a small school like Fairfield to be competitive with a school like that, I’m very excited to be part of the program.”

Hoffman will pursue a business degree and she is looking forward to the opportunity to further her academics at Fairfield.

“I’m very excited,” she said. “Honestly, I love everything about the school. I’m planning on majoring in business. It’s probably one of the top in the northeast. The softball program is phenomenal and the coach is amazing … It’s a great environment to be part of and I’m very excited to go.”

The long selection process is finally over for Hoffman, and she’s thankful for all of the support she had along the way.

“My family has been a great support system and they’ve always been there and supported me no matter what,” Hoffman said. “I greatly appreciate everyone that has helped me throughout the recruiting process.”