Warwick’s Hennessy & JMU Dukes Make NCAA History

By Kristen Maslanka

Hannah Hennessy was dedicated to making her dream of playing college softball a reality. That dream came true at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, VA.

Hennessy committed to play at JMU in her Junior year of High School. She always knew she wanted to go to college down south and that she wanted to continue her softball career. 

“I played travel softball in Virginia as I knew I wanted to go to school there and after speaking with the coaches and seeing the school I knew JMU is where I wanted to be.” Hennessy stated. “JMU is a smaller school compared to other schools in the league but, I’ve learned never to doubt the little man.”

The JMU Women’s Softball team, an unranked team, made NCAA history this past week after beating the number one seeded team, Oklahoma University. The win was a major upset in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) in Oklahoma City. It was the first trip ever to the World Series for JMU.

Oklahoma, as the #1-ranked team for college softball was favored to beat JMU but did not account for the heart the Dukes had as they were looking to make their way to the WCWS finals. After a tight game the Dukes were able to hold off Oklahoma and beat them by one run after going eight innings, sending the Sooners to the loser’s bracket in the tournament. 

JMU has always been strong in their conference, the Colonial Athletic Association, but this is the first time they have ever made it to this level of competition. Hennessy, who graduated from Warwick Valley High School in 2020, joined the Dukes this season as a freshman playing centerfield. In her first season, she not only helped make it to the WCWS but also hit the home run that broke the JMU record for most home runs in a game earlier that season. 

The WCWS is played in Oklahoma City at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium. The Dukes made it to the big stage but, unfortunately were later knocked out by a rematch with Oklahoma later in the series. 

When asked what she learned from her experience of being on the national stage Hannah said, “I learned it’s not all about the talent it’s about the heart and who wants it more.” 

Hannah played for the Wildcat Varsity softball team for three years at centerfield. She was a stand-out player and known for her heart when it came to playing the game. She connected with her fellow Wildcats while at school who encouraged her; she received supportive messages from former coaches and teammates rooting her on. 

JMU was supported by so many as they were the underdogs this year and showed that anything can be possible. 

“Little girls were running up to us asking for autographs and to take pictures with us and honestly it was unbelievable,” said Hannah.

After the loss to Oklahoma ended their run at the Championship, the Dukes headed home and were greeted with a parade of fans at their facility with banners and people celebrating their accomplishment. According to Hannah, even though they were unable to make it all the way to the end they just felt so proud. 

Hannah has since returned to Warwick where she will be spending some time recuperating from a long season but will be getting back to the gym to get ready to make some more history for the Dukes next season. 

Hannah’s biggest supporters are her two parents Michael and Kelly Hennessy as well as her two younger siblings Michael and Grace. Hannah will be continuing her education and softball career at JMU She is studying Psychology/Criminal Psychology.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me and my team,” Hannah said. 

WVHS grad Hannah Hennessy plays softball for James Madison University. The Dukes recently made their first appearance in the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.