LebCo Athlete of the Week: Addison Hollenbach

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Featuring photos by Greg Roye

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Addison Hollenbach

During the week of March 30th, Addison Hollenbach turned in the kind of all-around performance that showed why Northern Lebanon has been one of Lebanon County’s early-season softball teams to watch.

In the Vikings’ Section 3 showdown with Donegal on Wednesday, Hollenbach delivered in the biggest moments. The senior tossed a complete game in Northern Lebanon’s 2-1 win, allowing just 4 hits and 1 run while striking out 4. Then, with the game tied in the 7th inning, she came through with the go-ahead RBI single to lift the Vikings to the victory. One day later, Hollenbach added 2 runs scored in Northern Lebanon’s 11-8 comeback win over Upper Dauphin as the Vikings improved to 5-1. Those efforts earned Hollenbach recognition from the LebCoSports.com community as a LebCo Athlete of the Week.

So far this season, Hollenbach has been superb and has helped lead the Vikings to a 8-2 record through their first 10 games. At the plate, she is hitting .390 with 16 hits, 8 RBI, and 14 runs scored. She has appeared in 6 games as a pitcher, starting 4 of them. In 35.1 IP, she has compiled a 2.57 ERA while striking out 42.

“My personal goal for this season is to reach 100 career hits,” said Hollenbach.

However, her goals for this senior season stretch well beyond individual milestones. “I would like to win the Section, get into Leagues and Districts, maybe even win them, make it to the first round of States, and continue to build a strong foundation for Northern Lebanon High School.”

Hollenbach said those goals line up with the tone Northern Lebanon is trying to establish each time it takes the field. The Vikings, she said, put a major emphasis on team chemistry, backing one another up, and maintaining a positive environment no matter what a game may bring. When it comes to that chemistry that makes for a winning formula, Hollenbach’s presence also gives the Vikings a strong trio of pitchers along with sophomore Stephanie Palkovic and freshman Sophia Roye.

“I think I fit into that by helping keep us in a positive mindset and helping regather our team if something does not go our way,” said Hollenbach. “I try my best to bring energy from the start of warmups all the way through the end of the game.”

As one of the Vikings’ senior leaders, Hollenbach has taken on an important role beyond just her production in the circle and at the plate. Northern Lebanon has leaned on her not only for performance, but also for the energy and steadiness she brings to the group.

Hollenbach also made sure to recognize the people who have helped her along the way.

“I would like to thank my parents, Jamie and Doug Hollenbach, for always being there for me and pushing me to reach my highest potential,” she said. “I would also like to thank all of my coaches, especially Carl Shaak, who has helped me work toward my goals and helped me see the sport from a deeper perspective. I would also like to thank my grandparents for coming to all of my games, no matter the sport, and for always supporting me.”

Among the highlights of Hollenbach’s athletic career so far was being selected to the Carpenter Cup Team last year,  a prestigious all-star event sponsored by the Philadelphia Phillies and Nike that features many of the top softball players from across the region.

“I was the first girl from Lebanon schools who was ever chosen for it,” said Hollenbach. “I had such a good time playing with girls from Lancaster and Berks schools.”

Outside of softball, Hollenbach also plays soccer and runs winter track. Following graduation, she plans to attend York College of Pennsylvania, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while continuing her softball career. After earning her degree, she hopes to become a pediatric oncology nurse.

When she is not training, competing, or studying, Hollenbach said she is usually spending time with friends and family and is almost always on the go. One thing about her that may surprise some people is that she is an IVF baby.

What Hollenbach enjoys most about sports comes back to the friendships she has built and the life lessons she has gained along the way.

“The thing I enjoy most about participating in sports is definitely the friendships I have made and how sports have taught me so many life lessons,” said Hollenbach. “They have taught me that there are going to be hardships in life, and you just have to keep pushing toward the final goal no matter what tries to stop you. Sports have also taught me to live in the moment, because high school goes by so quickly and it is important to cherish those memories.”

Congratulations to Addison on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Vikings as they continue pushing toward the postseason.

Photos by Greg Roye

LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Davin Kolter

Past Winners

Chloe Shirk (Week of 3/23)

Ryleigh Hopkins (Week of 3/9, 3/16)