Hannah Murray – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Our First County Bank Athlete of the Month for March 2021 is Hannah Murray.  Murray is a fourteen year old 8th grader who attends Greenwich Academy. A veteran of Bobby Valentine’s, she is a hard working and dedicated athlete.  Hannah is constantly working to improve her craft as well as her athleticism. Her diligence to being her best is not limited to the cage or the field as she excels in the classroom as well. Murray is well on her way to becoming an impressive student-athlete at the high school level. Which only helps exemplify and confirm her selection as FCB Athlete of the Month.

“A coach’s dream!!!” – Danielle Simoneau

Her long time instructor Danielle Simoneau, is the director of our Lady Titans program.  Danielle had this to say of Hannah, “Hard working, enthusiastic, and always with a smile! A coach’s dream!!!” This can truly be felt as a spectator outside any of her lessons, practices, or games.

Murray’s desire and interest in softball came from the time spent at her brother Zach’s baseball games. She started off playing baseball as early as 4 years old and fell in love with the game. Murray picked up the game very quickly and her talents shined through. At 8 years old she played for Norwalk’s 8U Cal Ripken All-Star team, where she got to travel the state competing. She was the only girl on the team, which did not intimidate her at all, and even at the young age she was confident in her skills on the field.  Shortly after, Murray made the transition to the softball diamond, playing her first season with a Greenwich Parks and Recreation team. This is where she focused on mastering the fundamentals of the game and began her journey to be a great softball player.

“She puts in the work and always has her team’s back.” – Quianna Diaz Patterson

The next stop in her path was a stint with Tucci Lumber Elite. Here she continued to grow and develop as a player. The smaller details of the game became much more important. This only helped narrow her focus. Her most recent home is here with our Lady Titans. Her coach Quianna Diaz Patterson had this to say about her player, “Hannah’s hardworking, easily coachable, and an enthusiastic leader for her team. She puts in the work and always has her team’s back. You’ll never see her without a smile and her team can count on her fully. Totally deserving of player of the month!”

Entering her second season Murray continues to improve her skills and overall game play. Murray has been a more than solid pitcher and outfielder throughout her playing career so far. However, she has started to play first base to be more versatile and valuable to her team.  Most importantly and in Murray’s own words, “One thing I love about softball is all the amazing coaches and teammates I have met along the way. They help push me and get me closer to achieving my dream of playing in college each and every day.” Without any doubt, Murray’s coaches and teammates feel the same way she does.

“Totally deserving of player of the month!” – Coach Diaz Patterson

As mentioned earlier Murray is a force in the classroom as well. An honor roll student at Greenwich Academy with high expectations on herself. A class that she is passionate about and excels at is science, where for the year she is averaging an ‘A’. In addition, her passions extend to painting, doodling, and experimenting with recipes in her kitchen.  This allows her creative expression to take over and be free. One of her favorite things to do is play with her puppy, Albie Sassafras! Murray wants to work with children when she is older, either as a teacher or a pediatrician but also stay involved in the game.  Passing on her softball knowledge and experience to the next wave of superstars.

We here at BVSA are extremely proud and so happy to be able to give Hannah this honor. The hard work in the cage, at practice, on the field, and especially in the classroom made this such an easy choice. Continue to work hard and make this place proud, big things are on the horizon. Everybody is very excited to see what the coming years have in store! Congratulations!