Gabby Hieber of Wallenpaupack Area named to All-State softball team

HAWLEY — Gabby Hieber has been playing organized softball since the age of five, working hard every day to get better at the game she loves.

This spring, Hieber helped lead Wallenpaupack Area to a second place finish in Division I of the Lackawanna League and a deep run at the District 2 Class 5A tournament.

In recognition of her stellar play, Hieber has been named to the Pennsylvania State Softball Coaches Association All-State Team.

“I'm definitely excited that all my hard work during the off-season paid off,” Hieber said. “I'm very honored to be chosen.”

Also by Kevin Edwards:Gabby Hieber leads Wallenpaupack Area softball team in divisional title quest

Paupack head coach Phil Babyak is thrilled to see his star player receive state level recognition.

“I'm very proud of Gabby,” the veteran skipper said. “Her first All-State selection is great for her and great for the Wallenpaupack softball program as a whole.”

By the numbers

Hieber played a central role for this year's Paupack squad, both offensively and defensively.

A hard-hitting third baseman, Hieber led the team in batting average (.550), on-base percentage (.623) and hits (33). She also scored 16 runs and showed flashes of power with three homers, seven doubles and two triples.

Hieber also contributed several key appearances in the circle, both as a starter and a reliever. She finished the season with a record of 7-4 and a 2.65 ERA. She was second on the team with 33 strikeouts over the course of 63 innings.

“Gabby is a competitor in the box, at third and in the circle,” Babyak said. “She always kept us in games as a pitcher and really came through with big hits in key situations as a batter.”

For her part, Hieber is happy with the 2024 high school campaign, both individually and as a team.

“I think we played really well this season,” she said. “I'm pleased with my personal performance. I think I hit well, but I'd like to hit with a little more power and throw a little bit harder as a pitcher.”

Looking ahead

Gabby is the daughter of Christian and Jennifer Hieber of Canadensis.

In addition to being a standout softball player, she's also a high achiever in the classroom. Hieber is a fixture on the Honor Roll and a member of the high school's Gifted Program.

After graduation, she hopes to continue her academic and athletic career at the collegiate level where she'll pursue studies in animal science and veterinary medicine.

“Gabby definitely has a bright future ahead of her,” Babyak said of his rising junior. “I expect her to be a leader next year. She leads by example in the way she plays the game and I hope that's contagious.”