Dukeman realizes dream to play collegiate softball at Ball State University

BY DANI TIETZ
dani@sjodaily.com

What does it take to realize your dreams?

Like many successful athletes, St. Joseph-Ogden’s Hannah Dukeman learned early on that a dream is only a dream without dedication and hard work.

“When I was younger, I wanted to play some sport at the professional level, I just didn’t know which one,” Dukeman said. “Sports consumed my time when I was younger, whether it was soccer, dance, basketball, football, volleyball, track or softball. I tried it all and I loved them all.”

But there was something special about softball.

“Compared to the others, softball was just a sport I found a passion for early on in my career; therefore, I have been playing it longer than most and been able to really develop a strong love for the game,” she said.

Before a professional career could become a possibility, Dukeman had to focus on the early years, succeeding at the high school level and setting herself up for the possibility of playing in college.

“Throughout the years, I have dedicated the majority of my time to softball,” she said. “I drove all over to tournaments, I lived in the gym to get stronger and faster, but I also have always cared about my grades because that is also a big deal in regards to college.”

Last week, she signed a letter of intent to play softball at Ball State University, in Muncie, Ind.

Although Dukeman has been committed to keeping her options open throughout the recruitment process, she said that the decision was simple.

“As time went on, no school compared to the way I felt about Ball State,” she said. “I went on my unofficial during the fall of my junior year, and fell in love with the campus but most importantly the coaches and the atmosphere they provide for their players. I felt at home and that was what was important.

“I knew where I wanted to go on the day of my unofficial. My family agreed with how I felt about Ball State and gave me more support than I could have ever asked for. There wasn’t a single person in my family that opposed my decision, as a matter of fact, they all supported me greatly.”

The fact that Dukeman has committed to playing in college doesn’t alter her determination to continue to excel in the classroom and on the field.

Currently, Dukeman is working her way back from an August surgery to repair torn ligaments in her wrist.

“Originally, the doctor had said I’ll be out for six months, which would sit me on the bench for my senior season of basketball,” she said. “I have had a cast on for three months and will soon get that off, and began physical therapy.”

Instead of leading the Spartans as the point guard, Dukeman is known to her peers as “coach.”

“Being on the bench is rough, but the girls are all willing to listen and are very welcoming to me as a coach rather than a player,” she said. “I hope that I am able to impact them with feedback in a way that they can become not only a better player, but also a better person.”

Her coaching philosophy has been molded by the countless coaches who have spent hours showing her what it means to be a great leader.

“I have been blessed with phenomenal coaches that not only want to win, but want to see us all succeed,” she said. “Their support is endless and I am so appreciative of everything they have done for me through this process. I have created a stronger love for the game, but also been able to create bonds with others that will last forever.”

As soon as the cast comes off, Dukeman said that she will not push herself past medical advice, but rather do what she needs to do to fully recover.

“As of right now, softball is looking like a yes for my senior year, and if things still continue to go as planned, then I will be able to play,” she said.

For Dukeman, that means playing with integrity.

“My coach Krisiti Paulson has always stressed that someone is always watching us,” Dukeman said. “That a little girl somewhere is looking up to us and desires to be just like us. Therefore, I want to be an example to anyone that is watching. There won’t be a time on the field when I won’t hustle or leave it all out there.”

The 2019 IHSA Regional Champions have their sights set on something bigger this year.

“This upcoming season at SJO is full of potential, I believe,” she said.

“There are some new faces that are a part of this team and I am very excited, to say the least. My goal is to lead this team, as a captain, to win a championship. I want Zoey Witruk, Bailey Dowling and I to be able to end our senior years off with a very big win.”

As with many programs at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, the consistency of playing multiple sports with one another over a long period of time has fostered something special for the athletes.

“Some may think that after being together for a long time, that we will soon grow tired of one another; however, chemistry between the girls at SJO has never been an issue,” Dukeman said.

“It’s not that I have forced myself to get along with all of these girls, rather that I truly enjoy being around them and we get along because we have truly created strong friendships throughout the years. In other words, we really have become a family and created long-lasting bonds and memories.”

Whether it is as a coach, a captain or just an upperclassman, Dukeman has her sights set on more than just the win.

“Each individual on the team is important to me, and I wish to be someone they come to whenever they need a friend,” she said. “So, I guess to me it’s important that they know that, yes, I am a captain/coach and want to win, but I also that I am someone who has their back and is willing to talk about anything.”

Now that her dream to play collegiate sports will come true, she’s setting her sights on working towards her next dream: to enter the medical field.

“Ever since I was young, I wanted to have a job that worked with kids,” she said. “I asked my mom when I was in kindergarten if a teacher or doctor made more money because both jobs dealt with kids.

“I matured and fell in love with the idea of being a pediatrician or neonatal nurse practitioner. I have been tossing around lots of medical careers that deal with kids the past few months so I am not 100-percent sure, but I am certain I want to practice medicine and help kids.”