On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Quakertown seniors Katie Muller & Maya Hellyer were recognized for committing to play softball at the collegiate level. (Photos courtesy of Jennifer Banas/Quakertown HS)
“Both of these players have sort of mirrored each other in terms of their growth,” coach Dave Scott said. “Both are dedicated and put in a lot more work than just at practice.”
Maya Hellyer – Gwynedd Mercy University (Softball)
Major: Sports Management
Reasons for choosing Gwynedd Mercy: “Gwynedd Mercy has a small campus, it’s close to home, and it offers everything I am looking for.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level? “I started thinking about playing college softball when I was in sixth grade. I started the recruiting process my freshman year by reaching out to different schools. I later joined a web site to help get my name out there and posted videos for colleges to see.”
Coach Dave Scott says: “I’ve known Maya since she was 10. I started giving her some private hitting lessons and was fortunate enough to be named the coach here as she was coming in as a freshman. It’s been fascinating to see the growth in her – from a very shy, uncertain player to what she’s become the last couple of years. Maya has consistently been in the top five every year with batting average. Last year, she pretty much singlehandedly won us our first round state playoff game with two RBIs, and we won the game 2-0, so that was a great memory for her.
“It’s incredible as a coach to see someone grow the way that Maya has from when she was 10 and not sure if she could play softball at all to committing to play collegiate softball. Gwynedd is getting a great player, a great work ethic and a very positive attitude.”
About Maya
Favorite food: Anything my Nana makes
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite music: I listen to everything.
Katie Muller – Lebanon Valley College (Softball)
Major: Business Administration
Reasons for choosing Lebanon Valley: “Lebanon Valley has a really strong business program with internships, and they have a great coaching staff.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level? “I started playing softball when I was about eight years old but was never allowed to play for a select or travel team until eighth grade. Starting so late was a challenge, and I was one of the worst girls on the team, but I worked really hard to improve and catch up with the girls around me. By the end of freshman year, I knew I wanted to play college softball when I was older and started emailing coaches and going to camps for lots of different schools.”
Coach Dave Scott says: “I didn’t get to know her too much as a freshman because of COVID, but coming into sophomore year, the difference was amazing as far as what she had been to what she had become. Again, a common theme for both of these women is hard work. Katie has dedicated herself to working out and getting very strong, and it has helped her tremendously with her hitting, her fielding and her throwing. Katie is a top effort kind of player. She does everything she can at top speed at all times, including times when I wish she wouldn’t dive and wouldn’t slide in the dirt and tear up her legs. One of my memories with Katie was – when I coached the Carpenter Cup team last year, Katie had a game where she was 3-for-3 with three triples, which is really almost unheard of. It was amazing to watch, and it was a great memory for me. Lebanon Valley is getting a great player – she’s a hard worker and kind of the team mom kind of player. They’re going to enjoy having you, Katie.”
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