HANNAH FOCHT
OKTAHA HIGH SCHOOL
“She’s really our team MVP and one of the most skilled athletes I’ve ever coached, and we’ve had some pretty good ones here,”
Those are the words of Oktaha softball coach Kia Holmes as she describes senior Hannah Focht.
“She’s got a super softball IQ, is gritty, and super competitive. She’s got good speed and a great arm and even though she could play just about any position, she patrols center field for us” added Holmes.
Hannah got an early start playing softball with the help of an exuberant dad.
“My dad is a big baseball fan, and he still plays adult league baseball, so I got started when I was around four years old and got into travel ball around 12,” said Hannah. “I enjoy the intensity of the game and the close plays you have in softball and I just love being part of the game.”
Growing up Focht says she followed former University of Florida standout Lauren Haeger and then looked to the seniors at Oktaha as role models her freshman year.
After going to the state fastpitch tournament three of the past five years, the Tigers find themselves in a rebuilding mode in 2024 with Hannah being the only returning starter. As a senior leader she could see the task ahead as overwhelming but instead takes a different viewpoint.
“I’m excited for the younger girls that now get a chance to play with us losing so many players. I lead by example but I’m not really good at showing or telling people how to do things. I let my play be an example for them and be supportive for the incoming freshmen to build their confidence because if you’re confident in how you’re playing, you’ll play well,” said Hannah who is a member of FCA and the National Honor Society.
Focht says she looks forward to the challenge ahead this season.
“I’m excited to show people that we can make it back to state this year with so many new people.”
Hannah plans to continue her softball career in college and study to be a physical therapist.
