Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – True sophomore Michelle Chatfield knows how to win. Whether it be with her bat, glove, or her speed on the basepath, the first baseman has continued to be a pivotal member of the white-hot No. 12 Hokies (25-5, 5-1 ACC) as the season continues. With just over half of the Virginia Tech Softball season in the books, fans won’t want to miss the Lovettsville, Virginia native electrify the diamond this spring at Tech Softball Park.
Chatfield first started her winning ways at Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, Virginia. As a Wolverine, the then-senior would be a key contributor to not only a Virginia Class 5 State Championship-winning team but towards a squad that also won regional, district and regular-season championships with a 27-1 record. Before departing for Virginia Tech at the close of her high school career, Chatfield would be named First Team All-Met, All-State, All-Region and All-District at third base, notching a .523 batting average and 51 RBIs.
After a position switch across the diamond to first base in her freshman year, the 6-foot star would take her high school momentum directly into her first year as a Hokie. Starting in all 55 games (one of four Hokies to do so), Chatfield would post 42 hits on a .275 average, 37 RBIs and 19 home runs, a freshman single season record for Virginia Tech. At first base, the freshman would also post an impressive .982 fielding percentage, locking down the base with a mix of athleticism and fancy glovework. For her impressive debut season, Chatfield would walk away as a NFCA National Freshman of the Year Top 25 finalist, on top of NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team, All-ACC Third Team and All-ACC Freshman Team nods.
Fresh off their second 40-win season in the last three years, the Hokies have enjoyed one of their most impressive starts in program history this spring. Much of their success can be attributed to Chatfield who, through 30 consecutive starts, has continued to serve as a pulse for Tech softball. On a team third-highest .387 batting average, the now-sophomore has registered 36 hits, nine home runs and 29 RBIs. Chatfield’s 0.774 slugging percentage and 0.994 fielding percentage further prove that the first baseman is having a career year with the Hokies.
The sophomore’s success isn’t being enjoyed by just Hokie softball fans, however. After slamming four home runs and seven RBIs in a three-game set against the Louisville Cardinals, Chatfield was recognized as the D1 Softball National Player of the Week and the ACC Player of the Week for her efforts. The first baseman hit an astounding .636 (7-of-11) with a 1.727 slugging percentage in a series that saw the Hokies outscore the Cardinals 27-7.