When Brianna Hnatow is playing left field for the Foxes softball team, coach Larry Troutman doesn’t just see a player out there. Rather, he’s watching one of his most consistent, even-keeled, and hardworking athletes whose team-first mentality provides important cohesion for a squad with championship aspirations.
As of April 25, the senior, who bats second in the lineup, holds a .372 batting average through 12 games. Her On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS) percentage ranks third on the team, and she ranks in the top three in just about every other statistical measurement.
Brianna recently commented on the team, her personal contributions, and her future aspirations, which include continuing her softball career at Chatham University, where she will study nursing.
Q: Why did you decide to play for Chatham?
Brianna: I chose Chatham for a few reasons. Its location is really convenient, and they have a strong nursing program, especially with their Pathways Program that connects nursing students to UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. But the biggest reason was softball. Coach (Michael) Marsili is a great guy, and after meeting him and getting to know the team, I knew it was the right fit. I’m really looking forward to playing with the girls and being part of their program.
Q: What drew you to a career in nursing?
Brianna: All of my family works in the medical field, so I grew up hearing a lot about health care and watching medical shows. On top of that, I was no stranger to hospitals myself. I got hurt a lot as a kid, with four broken arms, a fractured back, and a broken clavicle. Spending that much time around doctors and nurses definitely sparked my interest in the medical world. When I had the chance to attend Beattie and learn more about health care, I took it. Through that program, I got a job at UPMC Passavant, and that experience really confirmed that nursing is the right path for me. Working with patients and alongside my amazing co-workers continued to inspire me. There’s nothing better than seeing a patient get better and smile at you while they’re being discharged to go home. I want to be that steady, comforting presence for people during difficult times.
Q: When did you start playing softball?
Brianna: I originally signed up for softball in seventh grade, but our season ended up getting canceled because of COVID. I didn’t really get to start playing until eighth grade. I also played rec ball, but, honestly, I wasn’t a decent player until high school. Once I started playing, I completely fell in love with it. It’s been such a big part of my life ever since.
Q: How do you think you have progressed since last season?
Brianna: I’ve improved a lot at the plate since last season. Last year, I struggled with chasing pitches and not being disciplined in the box. This season, I’ve worked hard on recognizing pitches earlier and being more selective. While I still chase pitches, I’ve gotten better at fouling them off and making the adjustments. I feel more confident and in control now, and I’m seeing better results because of it. My timing also has significantly improved, I struggled seeing faster pitchers last year, and I believe I’ve done a better job this year.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a leader?
Brianna: I’ve always believed in leading by example rather than giving directions. To me, actions speak louder than words. If I’m going to encourage younger players to brush off mistakes and make adjustments, then I have to show them what that looks like. I try to be someone my teammates can count on – someone who stays positive no matter what happens. Everyone has tough games or moments, and I always remind the girls to focus on their next at-bat or play. I tell them they will get the hit or make the next play. It’s all about keeping a positive mindset and learning from every experience. I also make sure they know that mistakes are OK. Nobody’s perfect. Striking out or making an error can be frustrating, but what matters most is brushing it off and making an adjustment. That’s how you grow as a player. Travel gave me experience with working with a new group of girls and supporting them. It taught me patience and helped me build a better mindset.
Q: Have you always played left field? If so, why do you feel comfortable in that position?
Brianna: In high school, I’ve always played left field, but on my travel team, I play center. I’m comfortable anywhere in the outfield. I trust my ability to read the ball off the bat, and I have good speed, so I can get to where I need to be quickly.
Q: What are your hopes for the team this season?
Brianna: My biggest hope for the team this season is that we don’t give up on games – that we fight all the way through,
no matter what happens. In the past, one error could throw us off and lead to a spiral of mistakes. But this year, we’ve
done a much better job of staying composed and bouncing back. Our team chemistry has improved a lot from last year,
and that’s made a big difference.
Q: What do you think is your best game so far this year?
Brianna: Even though I’ve had better hitting-games this season – like going two for three or three for four at the plate, I’d say my best game was the second time we played Plum. I went one for three with a home run, but it wasn’t just about the stats. It was our energy and the effort that was put into that game. We had taken a tough loss to them earlier in the season, and this time we were playing on their senior night, so the pressure was high. Our leadoff got out, and I came up to bat and hit a home run to start things off. That moment really lit a spark in the team and the energy was incredible. It may not have been my personal best game, but it was hands-down one of our best team performances.
Q: What are your strengths offensively and on defense?
Brianna: One of my strengths is my ability to make contact. I have long arms, so I’m able to get my bat on a lot of different pitches. That gives me a better chance of putting the ball in play. I’m also fast, so bunting is a good option for me, especially when we need to move runners or change the pace of the game. Playing in the outfield takes speed, good judgment, and the ability to read the ball off the bat quickly. Communication is also a vital skill.
Q: What are you most often thinking about when you go to bat?
Brianna: Do damage.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
Brianna: I’m a pretty good snowboarder.