RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
In our Extra Elite Eighty 16U team rankings heading into this year, one of the top 50 programs we listed was the Ohio Hawks which came in at #49 and proved their mettle this summer by beating some of the top 16U programs in the nation.
Perhaps most impressive is the fact that the team was a first year 16U squad and returns everyone with the exception of 2B/OF Emma Schutter, a Dayton Flyer commit, who is a 2021.
As we said in our write-up earlier, “This solid Midwest squad has some bulldogs for pitchers and great overall team speed. The defense is very consistent and the lineup is loaded with high average hitters that can hit for power.”
Today, we profile this successful team led by Head Coach Wendell Hutchinson, who helped provide the info below along with the help of Assistant Coach Scott Hummel.
As one coach said, “These kids can all play on this team and can hit 1 through 9 (and beyond).”
Here’s the team’s upcoming schedule and our closer look at what makes the Hawks fly…
Fall Schedule:
October
- 10-11 Fall Brawl, Columbus, OH
- 17-18 Finesse Showcase, Toledo, OH
- 23-25 Diamond 9, Orlando, FL
- 30-31 TBD
November
- 7-8 Scenic City, Chattanooga, TN
- 14-15 Veteran’s Tribute, Atlanta GA
- 21-22 Thunderbolts 5-Star Exposure, Alabama
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When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be?
This team came about by the dedication and hard work from the players before this team. Each year, Head Coach Wendell Hutchinson’s team grew and the successful track record in putting players in college uniforms became more noticeable. There is also several of the girls who receive hitting instruction from Wendell. Overall, the team came from a coach who wanted to fulfill these young girls dreams of playing collegiate softball. This team initially grouped together in the fall of 2018.
Where do your athletes come from?
Most of our girls are located in Southwest Ohio; however, we have girls all over the state and one athlete from Lexington, Kentucky.
What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)?
The most important goal is to find players a new home to play for after high school.
What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?
The goal of the team is to compete amongst the nation’s best at the very highest level. We have played in PGF Premier Nationals and plan on returning there in the summer of 2021.
What makes the organization unique?
Each team in the organization works together to grow our athletes. We train our girls hard and work with each other to improve. We work as an organization not just as teams.
What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?
Wendell’s journey began with his children, his first-born son played collegiate baseball and once his first daughter was born that’s when his softball coaching came about again. From almost 20 years of experience, he grew to be one of the best around. His track record of putting players in college uniforms grows each year while also providing hitting instruction to 100’s of tri-state kids. His accomplishments and coaching abilities are why these girls and families want him as their coach.
How many teams are there in the organization overall?
There are 24 Hawk teams for this upcoming 2021 season.
Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team’s history?
Winning the final of the 14U Stingrays Summer Showcase in 2019 via run rule.
What is your primary focus or goal with this team?
While we have aspirations of competing for a PGF Premier National Championship our main goal is to get every player an athletic scholarship.
What do you think are the strengths of the team?
The team has power and speed to hang with anybody. The pitchers and catchers have a knack for just getting outs with a versatile athletic defense behind them.
If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs, what would it be?
We put our girls in the best situations, and we give our girls the opportunities they need to show their abilities. We allow them to showcase themselves while us coaches help prepare them. Allowing these girls to live out their dreams of playing in college is most important.
Anything else interesting about the Hawks?
It’s fun to see how athletic our team is—we have a bunch of girls capable of doing back handsprings. This is definitely a group of girls who fear little!
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Below is a player-by-player look at the 16U Hutchinson team with player comments as by Head Coach Wendell Hutchinson and Assistant Coach Scott Hummel….
Scroll down to read more about the Hawks strong combo of ‘22’s and ‘23’s…