Athlete of the Week: Hannah Duncan leads Whitney softball to the NorCal semifinals

The Whitney High softball team not only won the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II championship on May 27 but they also won their first NorCal playoff game against Archbishop Mitty High on May 30. The Lady Wildcats played in the NorCal semifinals last Thursday against Hollister High and despite not coming away with the win, they battled against the top-ranked team in the state and only lost 3-2. In all three games along with most of the season, Whitney High has been led by junior pitcher Hannah Duncan, who finished the season with a 1.68 earned run average and 198 strikeouts. Duncan struck out 12 batters in the section title game against Vacaville High before striking out seven in a 9-3 win over Archbishop Mitty High. In the loss to Hollister High, Duncan struck out six while only allowing three runs in six innings of work. Gold Country Media asked Duncan some questions and her answers follow. What is the best part about playing softball at Whitney High? Duncan: "The best part about playing for Whitney High is the bond that I get to form with my fellow teammates and classmates. Also, it's pretty cool representing my hometown and playing for my school." How long have you been competitively playing softball and who/what is your biggest motivation? Duncan: "This is my sixth season playing travel ball but I have been playing softball since I was 5 years old. My biggest motivation is my parents. They are always there for me and they push me to keep getting better and better every day." Have any other family members been involved with sports? Duncan: "My dad played soccer and football through high school and also swam and played water polo through high school. My mom also swam in high school and also played softball through high school. In college, my parents both rowed for Humboldt State University. My younger sister plays travel softball." You struck out 12 in the circle against Vacaville High and performed well with 13 strikeouts in two NorCal playoff games. What do you feel has contributed to your great performance on the mound all season? Duncan: "Great communication between myself, my coaches and my catchers as far as what's working that day and what might be off that day is very important. I'm always working on my spins and on placing my pitches where they are called. Also, Whitney is always learning about and watching our competitors, as far as what they are hitting well and what they might not be hitting well." How exciting is it to be a section champion? Duncan: "At the start of my freshman year, that was one of my goals, to win a section championship. To actually succeed this season was just absolutely amazing! I can't even put into words how proud I am of our team!" What do you feel are the biggest strides you've made with pitching from the start of the season until the end? Duncan: "I've known since the beginning of the season that our defense is amazing! Throughout the season, I feel that I have gotten stronger though by continuing to work and throw almost every day, which led to me becoming more confident in my skill." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Duncan: "When I was younger, my dad coached me in youth soccer for many years. I also danced for two years. I also played volleyball for my middle school seventh-grade team." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Duncan: "There are so many professional athletes that I love watching and that I look up to, but if I had to pick just one, it would be Montana Fouts. The way she carries herself, the confidence she has in the circle and the energy she has, I just love watching her." What has been your favorite class in school and why? Duncan: "My favorite subject in school is science, specifically anatomy, which I just took my junior year." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Duncan: "I love country music. There are so many great artists and bands for country music but my favorite currently would have to be Luke Combs." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Duncan: "My favorite restaurant would have to be Texas Roadhouse and barbecue would be my favorite food." Outside of school and playing softball, what do you like to do in your free time? Duncan: "In my free time, I like hanging out with family, going out on the lake with friends, going on hikes and going to the beach." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Duncan: "There are so many cool jobs out there. My top interests right now would probably be marine biology, kinesiology and sports marketing." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Duncan: "My advice for local athletes would be to always work hard and to push through the ups and downs. But, most importantly, to always have fun!"