Softball: Izzi Hanna commits to Northern Illinois University

Izzi Hanna will continue her academic and athletic careers at Northern Illinois University

Hanna chose NIU for many reasons.

“NIU has such a family environment, and that was a priority for me. The coaches are so supportive and truly want the best for the team. NIU also prioritizes education and a career after softball, so I felt like I would be supported as a student and an athlete.”

Hanna, an outfielder and slapper for the Kingsmen, helped lead the team to a State Championship this past 2023 season.

“Penn Softball and Coach Zachary have prepared me in so many ways,” Hanna said. “We face the best competition possible, pushing us to become better players. She prepares us on the mental and physical side. We talk about self-talk and staying positive. She also prioritizes sleep and nutrition, helping make us the best athletes we can be.”

Hanna has started for two seasons on the varsity team for the Kingsmen. She hit .450 last season and drove in 16 runs, hitting .459 with runners in scoring position. Ten of her runs batted in were with two outs. She scored 39 runs.

“Izzi Hanna is an offensive technician and she is flawless in the outfield as well. She is smart, fast, and she handles the pressure of being our leadoff batter with calmness and consistency,” Head Coach Beth Zachary said. “Izzi is a leader who sets a great example and pushes her teammates to be better both on and off the field. Izzi will step right in at the D1 collegiate level and will without a doubt be an impact player.”