YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The Mountain Lions softball team has added another familiar face to their coaching staff heading into the 2025 season, as mainstay catcher Hannah Rizzuto enters the fold. Rizzuto returns as an assistant coach in the Enchanted Valley after two seasons spent behind the dish for head coach Jessie Homesley.
Homesley says of the newest addition to the softball coaching staff, "We are so excited to have Hannah Joining our staff this year." Continuing, "As an alumni of our program, she understands the culture of our team and I am excited to see her continue to add to it on the coaching side. Her love for softball and knowledge of the game will make her a huge asset to our program!"
Rizzuto suited up for the Mountain Lions for two seasons and started 80 games. During the 2023 season, Hannah Rizzuto launched seven home runs and drove in 23 Mountain Lions. The 2024 campaign saw Rizzuto raise her batting average by .50 points, as she recorded 26 hits in 100 plate appearances and drove in 16 runs; while also adding three home runs, 14 base on balls, and one stolen base into the mix.
In Rizzuto's second season, the Mountain Lions achieved an uptick in wins by recording 10 more than their 2023 campaign; Rizzuto also helped YHC reach the Conference Carolinas tournament in Duncan, South Carolina, where they took down Emmanuel University by a score of 6-4. Hannah broke the 4-4 tie in the sixth inning of that game, when she smashed a two-run home run to dead center to get the Mountain Lions what would eventually become the winning runs to take down the Lions.
Hannah Rizzuto states, "Coming to Young Harris for my last two years of college was the best decision I've ever made with my playing career. I knew as soon as the opportunity was presented to me to be an assistant, I could not pass it up."
Rizzuto adds, "My passion for softball has only grown stronger at Young Harris. Being able to be a part of an amazing staff, full of coaches who push me to be my best, is something I have also dreamed about. I cannot wait to make a great impact on the team and the school this year!"
Rizzuto graduated with a business administration degree from Young Harris College in the spring of 2024. Hannah will begin her coaching career with her alma mater and her responsibilities will include: player development, working with pitchers, catchers, infielders, and outfielders, hitting instructor, and social media manager.
Hannah Rizzuto is thrilled to help the Mountain Lions improve even more during the team's 2025 season. Rizzuto asserts, "I cannot wait to bring an uplifting positive attitude to the field every day. Many people know how important the mental side of this game is, and I know I can make an impact on the players...keeping them confident in themselves and pushing them to their best potential."
Rizzuto concludes, "I want to show the community, and our followers of Young Harris softball how great this team is through social media and really show off the amazing experience Young Harris brings to these athletes!"
Hannah Rizzuto completed her first season as an assistant coach for Young Harris College softball in 2024-25 after a successful playing career with the Mountain Lions. She helped guide YHC to a Conference Carolinas Championship appearance and four All-Conference selections, including a first-team nod for Avery Fielden.
Updated 7.9.25
