FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas senior infielder Hannah Gammill grew up like most kids in the Natural State.
“My parents pelted that in my head that you’re an Arkansas fan, an Arkansas native," Gammill said. "It still sometimes feels like a dream that I'm even here."
It was her sophomore season at Beebe High School when that dream became something tangible.
"I was sitting up in the box [at Bogle Park], and the coaches offered me [a scholarship]," Gammill said. "Just staring out at the field thinking I could play here one day."
Gammill was 15 years old when she received the offer. Now, entering her senior season with the Razorbacks, Gammill has been part of a group that transformed Arkansas softball into a national contender.
“I didn’t care, I just wanted to play for Arkansas," Gammill said. "The goal is to win a national championship, so to see how that’s changed is crazy. It's awesome."
Last summer, Gammill's softball career reached new heights as she represented Team USA in Japan and received the key to the city in her hometown of Beebe.
"I didn't even know that was a thing until they presented it to me," Gammill said. "Just thinking I can give girls inspiration from really small towns, where it is, just meant the world, knowing that's where I'm from, and I get to represent my hometown and home state."
For Gammill, the real key is softball – using it to leave a legacy as a person, not just a player.
"I do hope that whatever the outcome, this year, people remember me as someone who loved them well through every single circumstance," Gammill said.
And it's how everyone already feels, especially her coaches and teammates.
"If you know Hannah, you love her for who she is," Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel said.
Gammill's longtime teammate, redshirt senior utility player Rylin Hedgecock, agreed.
“She’s very selfless," Hedgecock said. "She puts everybody before herself and cares a lot about people.”
Deifel isn't taking Gammill's last year of eligibility for granted.
“It’s tough,” Deifel said. “I can’t believe it's her last year. It goes so quickly. [I'm] hoping this is her best year yet because she deserves that.”
Gammill and the Razorbacks kick off the 2024 softball season at the three-day Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Fla., starting Thursday.
Arkansas will battle Marshall and Florida Atlantic in a doubleheader on Thursday before facing off against Ohio on Friday.
The Razorbacks will then wrap up the Paradise Classic with a doubleheader against Penn State and Michigan State on Saturday.
The first pitch for Thursday's game against Marshall is set for 1:00 p.m., with the nightcap against Florida Atlantic scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
All games, except for the meeting against Florida Atlantic, will be broadcast on FloSoftball.
For the complete 2024 Razorback softball schedule, click here.