By Amanda Kilyk

Even as she prepares to enter her sophomore year this fall at County College of Morris (CCM), Molly O’Brien fondly recalls her highly successful softball career at Hackettstown High School (HHS).

“I will forever be proud to call myself a Tiger,” she said.

O’Brien, a 2019 HHS graduate, was a heralded four-year starter at centerfield who holds multiple records at the school. A few of those records include a career high 26 stolen bases, along with 111 total runs and 26 home runs. She is arguably one of the best softball players to come out of Hackettstown.  

O’Brien is humbled by her successes throughout her career, and she is grateful for the encouragement of her teammates, coaches, and father.

“It’s amazing to be able to have something to show for all the hard work I put in throughout my high school years. I couldn’t have possibly done it without my teammates and wonderful coaches,” O’Brien said. “I want to especially thank my father for dedicating so much time and energy into teaching me all he knows and being at every single game.”

O’Brien, now a student-athlete at CCM studying communications, reminisced on her time playing for the Hackettstown Tigers.

“My favorite memory from high school would have to be my first – and last – grand slam, which happened to be my 100th career hit,” O’Brien said. “I had no idea that it was my 100th hit until I rounded third and my coach told me, and everyone was around home plate saying congratulations.

“I was at a loss for words and they made the experience that much more memorable.”

She had been looking forward to her first softball season at CCM this spring and was disappointed when it abruptly ended due to the threat of COVID-19.

“Not having a freshman season at CCM was very upsetting because we all worked so hard to prepare for the spring season,” she explained. “I had a good feeling about all of us. Not only did we work well on the field together, but we had great team chemistry.”

She had been working with her hitting coach to fix her swing and was excited to see results: “I sadly didn’t get to see what would happen going forward since the season was cut short.”

The softball star is now looking forward to next season.

“I’m very excited to see what happens with our upcoming team and getting to know them all,” she said.

As for her former teammates at Hackettstown, especially those who missed out on their final season as Tigers?

“To the seniors on the softball team, I want to wish you all the best going forward. You all are amazing and I’m so happy I got the chance to play with you all,” O’Brien said. “Congratulations on graduating!”