UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Junior pitcher Hannah Shields is a State College native, but after finishing her high school career she decided to take her talents out of town to Delaware State. After being a Hornet for two years, Shields made another move, this time back home.
That decision has made a clear impact for the Nittany Lions this spring.
Following a team-high 15 wins over two years at Delaware State, Penn State knew it was getting a strong player, but Shields made a different impression before a single game had been played.
Due to transfer rules, Shields was unable to be a full participant in team activities this summer, but that doesn't mean Shields wasn't involved.
"She could not work out (with the team) this summer, but she showed up every day and just watched them just to be with them," head coach Amanada Lehotak said. "When an athlete does that, who was never told or asked to do that from the coaching staff, that just shows her loyalty, how bad she wanted to be a part of the team and how much of a team player she is."
Growing up in State College and starring for State College Area High School, Shields had 92 strikeouts her senior season and was named the team's Most Outstanding Pitcher. During her transfer process, there was a clear frontrunner for her new home.
"I was exploring my other options, but I was really set on Penn State," Shields said. "I really wanted to come back here. This is the place I call home so I knew this is where I was going to be the happiest."
With a handful of games under her belt in her hometown, Shields has loved every second of being a Nittany Lion.
"It feels great. I love playing at Beard Field — the atmosphere, all the fans, having crowds watching you," Shields said. "It's amazing having my parents there, but also my extended family too."
Shields has appeared in 16 games this season, including seven starts, and has accumulated 49 innings of work. She has only issued three walks and currently has a 1.31 WHIP.
Although this is Shields first season in a Penn State uniform, she was expected to be a veteran presence on the team. She has lived up to that expectation.
"Her work ethic has been the work ethic of a junior, her mindset has been one of a junior where she's not afraid to attack. Her confidence doesn't waiver in her ability or (the ability) of her teammates," Lehotak said. "And that's what junior pitchers do."
Penn State will be on the road for a three-game series against Purdue this weekend before returning to Beard Field April 9 for a doubleheader against Big Ten rival Ohio State. The doubleheader's first pitch is set for 5 p.m. with the second game set for 7 p.m.
