LebCo Athlete of the Week: Ryleigh Hopkins

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Featuring photos by Captivating Dezigns & Greg Roye

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Ryleigh Hopkins

Northern Lebanon didn’t have to wait long to see its offense click in 2026, and sophomore Ryleigh Hopkins was right in the middle of it. In the Vikings’ season-opening 10-4 win over Twin Valley, Hopkins jump-started the lineup from the leadoff spot, going 2-4 with 3 RBI, a run scored, a walk, and 2 stolen bases as Northern Lebanon created late separation and opened the spring with momentum. Those efforts earned Hopkins recognition from the LebCoSports.com community as the LebCo Athlete of the Week.

Hopkins said the performance was simply the result of doing her job and staying aggressive in the leadoff role. The stat line, she noted, was a reflection of putting the ball in play, getting on base, and helping set the tone for the offense.

And the role she’s aiming to fill this season is clear. “I want to keep contributing at the plate as the leadoff hitter,” Hopkins said. “I also want to be consistent and someone my team can rely on in center field.”

And through the first four games, Hopkins has done more than just set the table. Northern Lebanon has opened 3-1, scoring 46 runs, and Hopkins has been a major part of that production. She is batting .471 with a .526 on-base percentage and 8 hits, including a triple and a home run. Hopkins also leads the Vikings with 9 RBI and 9 runs scored, giving Northern Lebanon a reliable presence at the top of the order every time through.

Coach Bob Bashore said what Hopkins brings goes beyond the numbers.

“Ryleigh is a great kid on and off the field,” Bashore said. “Loved by all of her teammates and coaches. Works extremely hard and never complains. I am really glad she plays for us. It will be a sad day when she is no longer with us on this team so I will enjoy every moment that she is part of this team.”

The early surge is also a continuation of what Hopkins showed as a freshman. Last season, she hit .310 with a .420 on-base percentage, totaling 18 hits, 8 RBI, 17 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. Those results helped her earn 1st Team Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 honors, and she was also a top selection for Rookie of the Year in the LebCo All-County voting. The promise was clear then, and this spring she’s taking the next step by becoming an even bigger driver of the Vikings’ offense.

Now in her second season, Hopkins made it clear she’s hungry for more. She said she’s excited for the year ahead and hopes the Vikings can earn another chance to play in the state tournament again.

She’s also quick to credit the people around her for helping her develop. Hopkins thanked her parents for pushing her to be better on and off the field, for making time for extra reps, and for getting her to practices and college camps. She also credited her coaches for believing in her potential and pushing her toward her goals, and her teammates for the support and encouragement that keep the environment strong.

When she isn’t training, Hopkins enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also likes working out and going for runs, habits that fit the high-motor style she brings to the field. And what she loves most about sports always comes back to the same thing: competing alongside people she cares about, and chasing that feeling that comes with winning together.

Away from softball, Hopkins is a multi-sport athlete who also plays high school basketball. Long term, she hopes to continue her softball career in college and eventually become a pediatric occupational therapist, pairing athletics with a career built around helping others.

Congratulations to Ryleigh on being selected LebCo Athlete of the Week. Best of luck to her and the Vikings as they build on a strong start and keep pushing toward another postseason run.

Photos by Captivating Dezigns (media day) and Greg Roye (game photos)

LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Adrian Gonzalez