Seidel, Hooper earn All-CIF accolades
BURBANK — There was likely no sneaking up on opponents this season for Burbank resident and Village Christian pitcher Emily Seidel.
Coming into her senior softball campaign, Seidel was already a perennial All-CIF Southern Section selection and a previous All-State honoree who had signed with the University of Nevada Reno.
The same can’t be said for Burbank second baseman Katie Hooper, who came into her sophomore season with little funfair.
When the season came to an end for Seidel and Hooper, they both enjoyed their share of recognition, as the two were honored with All-CIF awards. While Hooper was a first-team selection in Division III, Seidel also made the first team in Division IV.
Although Seidel won her third straight All-CIF award this season, she said winning individual accolades is not something she strives for.
“I never really think about the awards at all,” Seidel said. “During the season, I just try my best and try and help my team as much as I can. Whatever comes after is just a surprise.”
Seidel was a driving force in the circle, helping the Crusaders (16-11) capture an Olympic League championship. She had a 15-9 record and a 1.68 earned-run average in 150 1/3 innings, striking out 178 and walking 33.
Pitching wasn’t Seidel’s only forte, however, as she was even more impressive with the bat. She hit .588 (32 for 77) with 32 runs batted in, 19 runs scored, six home runs, four triples, a .600 on-base average and a 1.026 slugging percentage.
“I really had fun playing this year,” Seidel said. “This team just worked so incredibly hard and we were able to build confidence as the season went on.”
Compared to Seidel, Hooper took a different approach to winning awards.
“Through the season I was working really hard and hoping to get All-CIF and all-league,” said Hooper, who was a first-team All-Pacific League pick. “I was just thrilled when I found out that I got this award. It’s pretty incredible.”
Hooper, who helped Burbank (12-14) to the playoffs, definitely put up impressive numbers. She had team bests in batting average (.539), hits (48), RBI (45), runs (32), home runs (nine), triples (seven), on-base average (.559) and slugging percentage (1.067). She also struck out just four times in 66 at-bats.
“Everything just worked out for me this season,” Hooper said. “I really look forward to next season to see what I can do.”
With the majority of the team coming back next season, Hooper said she likes how the Bulldogs click as a squad.
“The group of girls this year was awesome,” she said. “All together we came together as a group and we really meshed well. It’s just a great group to be a part of.”