Don’t be fooled by Lyndsey Hoffenbacker’s age or size. When it’s time for a big play, the 15-year-old sophomore on Glacier High School’s softball team knows how to deliver.
An example of that is her catch against Flathead High School during the second game of a Friday doubleheader.
After narrowly losing the first meeting to the cross-town rival, “everyone was kind of getting down,” said Hoffenbacker. “We knew someone needed to step up.”
She took her place at second base. At the crack of the bat Hoffenbacker made a miraculous diving catch and the Wolfpack were on their way to a 14-0 victory.
“(My) goals this year were first to make varsity, make second base position, then beat Flathead,” she said.
Hoffenbacker said she owes much of her success to her parents and three older brothers.
Her brother Brandon, who plays football for Montana State University, “pushed me to be better and tougher,” she said. “He’s always been in the spotlight and he knows what that pressure is.”
Her biggest challenge this year has been “staying constant” and remembering her coach’s words: “Don’t over do it.” When you’re up, she said it’s not a time to be overconfident, and when you’re down just remember to have fun and play the game.