HHS senior headed to Drexel
By: Rudy Brandl
Erin McKee has made quite a journey as a softball player.
Despite lots of hard work, McKee didn’t even make her middle school softball team four years ago. Now, the Hillsborough High senior is preparing for her third varsity season as a starter and key player in the high school program. More impressively, McKee will take her talents to the college level next year at Drexel University, where she’ll receive a substantial scholarship package.
"This is my payback for all the hard work," McKee said. "It really is like a dream. I never saw myself playing in college. I can’t believe it all came together like this."
While she’s looking forward to her collegiate career, McKee is currently focusing on her final high school campaign. As one of the team’s co-captains, she’s hoping to lead the Raiders to a championship this spring.
"I’ve been waiting for this season for a long time," she said.
McKee burst on the high school scene as a sophomore and made an immediate impact as the varsity leadoff hitter and left fielder. She switched roles in her junior season, moving down to a run-producing slot in the order and into the infield as the starting shortstop. McKee has the versatility to play infield or outfield and is capable of being productive anywhere in the batting order.
"She’s an extremely hard worker and a consummate team player," HHS head coach Cheryl Iaione said. "She’s very versatile. She can play infield and outfield and she’s batted everywhere in the lineup. She’s a pleasure to coach, a real key for us."
"I’ve been playing for a long time and I have a good mind for the game," McKee said. "I’ll bat wherever I fit in. I can play shortstop and the outfield. I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win. If I have to bunt, I’ll bunt."
McKee slumped a bit at the plate last spring but found her stoke competing on various teams in the summer. She batted around .400 playing for Top Gun and the Hornets, two good traveling teams.
"I really just didn’t feel any pressure," McKee said. "I couldn’t relax in the spring. It’s all mental with me. I just had to get my mind set and see things the right way."
McKee is no slouch in the classroom, either. She’s ranked in the top five percent of her high school class and plans to study architectural engineering at Drexel. She also visited the University of Virginia and met with coaches at Rutgers and Lehigh. Drexel simply offered the most attractive package for several reasons.
"They’re rebuilding and they need more help there," McKee said. "The coach (Terri DeTuro) likes my versatility."
"Drexel has such a nice support system for the athletes," said Maureen McKee, Erin’s mom. "I’m so proud of what Erin’s done. She’s worked very hard and she wants to get better."
McKee understands she’ll have to continue working hard to make an impact at Drexel. She doesn’t mind taking extra swings in the batting cage, ground balls in the infield or fly balls in the outfield. She loves the game she started playing nine years ago.
"I’m very excited to play there (at Drexel)," McKee said. "They’re building a program like we started building one here at Hillsborough. We’re just starting to reap the benefits now. I’m just excited to continue playing because it’s a game that I love."

