Emma Hackler is among the top underclassmen softball players anywhere in thestate.

The Poteau standout is even mentioned as one of the top sophomores nationally. Hackler, a center fielder and pitcher, did a little bit of everything for the Pirates last year as a freshman and was named District 4A-8 Freshman of the Year, selected to the Leflore County All-Tournament team, and received the Poteau Pitcher of the Year Award.

As a pitcher, she recorded 164 strikeouts in 148 innings of work to go along with a 2.50 earned run average. As a hitter, she compiled a .366 batting average with a Class 4A-best 10 triples. She also had 10 doubles and hit three home runs. She was ranked 50th nationally overall last year by Extra Inning Softball in the 2026 class, the 19th pitcher nationally by Extra Inning Softball in the 2026 class, the ninth overall
player in the 2026 class in Oklahoma by SBSR, and the No. 3 ranked pitcher in the 2026 class in Oklahoma by SBSR.

Hackler has high expectations for Poteau in 2023. The Pirates are currently 10-4 under head coach Ryan Dill and winners of six straight games.

“Our ultimate goal is to make it to the state tournament with a chance to win it, which
hasn’t been done in Poteau in a long time, and I believe we can change that this year,”
Hackler said. “I just want to continue to work hard to get better every day to help give our team the best chance to win. “I’m looking forward to competing with some of my closest friends. We have a great group this year and some really good coaches, which hopefully will result in a successful season.”

Playing over the summer with her travel team, Aces 16U National, and competing against some of the top players has allowed Hackler to make significant strides in her game.

“Going against some of the best teams in the country has helped my pitching and hitting improve,” she said. “I’ve really learned the importance of changing speeds, locating my pitches, and competing every pitch.”

Hackler, who hopes to play at a high level of college softball while possibly working on a sports therapy degree once her Poteau days are completed, made a name for herself the very first time she stepped on the field as a freshman.

“Probably my most memorable sports moment was last year as a freshman I pitched a no- hitter in our first game of the season and my team got the win,” she said.

Her father has played the most significant role in her day-to-day development as a softball player.

“He’s always keeping me on track of being consistent on practicing every night and pushing me to be my best every day,” Hackler said. “He has been there every night to practice with me ever since I was little. I am very grateful for him and all he has done for me.”
Outside of softball, Hackler carries a 4.0 GPA and has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll every year in school. She has also been a member of the National Junior Honor Society.