HS Softball: Mahanoy Area’s Mroczka chooses Bucknell
Mahanoy Area's Hailey Mroczka takes a lead off second base during a non-league softball game April 10, 2026. Pitching for Nativity is Ava Stankavage. (Photo by Bob Lipsky_
MAHANOY CITY — Hailey Mroczka likes to stay busy.
But the past few days have been a whirlwind.
Friday afternoon, the Mahanoy Area senior played second base and pitched as the Golden Bears posted a victory over Nativity.
Later Friday evening, Mroczka portrayed Karen in the school’s production of “Mean Girls.” She reprised the role for another audience on Saturday.
In between, she traveled to compete on the track Saturday at the Tamaqua Invitational, finishing fifth in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles.
And Monday, Mroczka gathered with her family, coaches and school officials to sign a letter of intent to continue her academic and softball careers at Division I Bucknell University. Even through a coaching change, the family atmosphere around the Bison endured and drew Mroczka in. On a visit to campus after attending a Bucknell camp, she said she realized that this was the place for her.
“They’re such a tight-knit team,” Mroczka said. “If this dynamic continued, I could see myself there. I just fell in love with how the community was up there.”
A 17-year-old from the Mahanoy City area, Mroczka has played travel ball for the Pocono Predators 16U National team.
Though she could play anywhere on the diamond, Mroczka’s main position is catcher. That’s where Bucknell projects her to play, she said. Less than two months from graduation, now her future plans are locked in.
“It’s definitely a relief,” Mroczka said.
A top student and Schuylkill County scholar-athlete honoree, she plans to major in chemical engineering as she pursues playing time with a Division I program.
“I can’t even describe the moment (I got the offer),” Mroczka said. “I was in shock. I always wanted to play softball in college, whether it was Division I or not. I want to thank my travel coach and my parents. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
