University's Olivia Masoner named 2025 first team all-state catcher after return from season-ending injury a year ago
MORGANTOWN – The 2024 University High School softball team will forever be remembered for its run that captured the program's first-ever state championship.
With so many pieces contributing to the completion of the Hawks' puzzle in 2024, one outstanding one was missing in catcher Olivia Masoner, who suffered a head/neck injury that sidelined her for the second half of the season, including the state tournament.
'It was definitley challenging at first,' Masoner said. 'There's always doubt physically and mentally, but I put in so much work during the offseason to recover and get back in shape. I truly feel like it helped me return stronger because it was such a big step backwards and I had to want it even more while trusting the process.'
Despite the adversity she faced at the end of her sophomore season, she returned in 2025 for her junior year and was a key factor in the success of the Region I champions.
'Coming into this season, my mindset was to make the most of every single game and opportunity after missing the time last season,' Masoner said. 'I wanted to prove to myself that I could not only get back to where I was, but be even better. Personally, my goals were to be a leader, stay consistent at the plate, and help us make it back to states.'
Masoner earned Class AAAA all-state honors at the catcher, being the only one named to the position on the first team. She hit for an average of .490 at the plate (.595 on-base percentage) with 47 hits, including a program-record 17 doubles, with 29 RBI and three home runs. Behind the plate, only four baserunners attempted to steal on Masoner this season, with only one of them finding second base successfully.
'It's what every one works for,' she said. 'I played in the championship last year but wasn't feeling like myself at all. So being back and able to play healthy, connfident, and being able to contribute the way I did made everything that much more special. It felt like all the hard work to get healthy and get my game where it needed to be paid off. I love the game and work hard to get better every single year, so it feels rewarding to earn the recognition.'
After showing what she could do with a full season under her belt, Masoner says she's more motivated than ever this offseason.
'This season lit a fire in me for next year,' she said. 'It'll be my last season with UHS and I'm more motivated than ever to get stronger, sharper, and better in every aspect of my game. When we step on the field next seaspn, it'll be with grit, energy, and total dedication, because we know what it takes to be at the top, and I will do all I can to ensure my senior season reflects that.'
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