Hessenthaler makes SportsCenter Top 10
Gabriella Hessenthaler during UNCW’s intrasquad scrimmage.
April 9, 2021
WILMINGTON, North Carolina – DA-DA-DA, DA-DA-DA…
UNCW softball’s Gabriella Hessenthaler was featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays after her incredible defensive effort against rival ECU on Wednesday afternoon at Boseman Field.
“The following morning after the game, it was around 8:00 and I was sleeping,” said Hessenthaler. “My phone was continuously ringing…I looked on my phone and I see a video of me on SportsCenter Top 10. Honestly, I was in shock. I just kept re-watching it and finally it hit me that I was on the big screen. I was beyond excited and didn’t want to fall back asleep after seeing that news.”
The grab came in at number nine on the Top 10 list and had all of UNCW buzzing about the Liberty native.
“I received so many so many messages, even from people I have not talked to in years,” said Hessenthaler. “They were all beyond excited for me and they all expressed how proud they were of me. These individuals truly made the moment feel much more special. I couldn’t be more blessed.”
Hessenthaler made a diving catch in foul territory along the right field line in the top of the fourth inning with two Pirate runners on base. The junior’s effort prevented the runs from scoring and helped secure a 1-0 Seahawk win.
“After I made that catch, me and my team were beyond pumped,” said Hessenthaler. “I had a big smile on my face, that’s for sure.”
Hessenthaler’s offensive contributions match her talents in the field as well. The Providence Grove product is currently hitting an even .300 on the season and possesses a near-perfect .918 fielding percentage.
“This was definitely my top moment in my softball career,” said Hessenthaler. “I remember when I was a little girl, me and my dad were watching the SportsCenter Top 10. He told me I could be on there one day and I just started laughing. Every athlete dreams of being on SportsCenter one day and I was lucky enough to make that dream of mine a reality.”
Click the link below to see Hessenthaler’s catch on SC Top 10:
