Harvey School News

Two student-athletes from Harvey will be taking their game next fall to the highest level of collegiate softball despite having lost their junior year of softball last spring to the COVID-19 shutdown of interscholastic athletics.

Kathryn Ogg and Emily McKenna, who both excel in academics, have made verbal commitments to NCAA Division 1 schools. Kathryn plans to attend Oklahoma State to compete for the OSU Cowgirls in the Big 12 Conference. Emily will be going to St. Bonaventure’s to play for the Bonnies in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Kathryn started her Harvey career as a catcher and displayed strong defensive and offensive skills. She did not try her hand at pitching until her sophomore year in the 2019 season when she earned Western New England Prep School Girls Softball Association All-League honors. Kathryn played an instrumental role in leading Harvey to its second consecutive HVAL runner-up finish. “Kathryn's leadership as a captain throughout the 2019 season helped mold our team into a dominant force,” said varsity softball coach Amie Phillips.

While COVID-19 denied Kathryn a chance to perform on the field for Harvey in her junior year, the right-hander spent her time working with a pitching coach and completing hours of practice. “I certainly grew during this time, but it was still disappointing to lose the season,” Kathryn said. She embraces her role as the team captain. “I look for every opportunity to be a leader to my peers on and off the field,” she said, adding, “I look forward to the spring of 2021 for one last ride with my teammates."

Emily, a junior transfer to Harvey in 2019-20 from Putnam Valley High School, was selected in her sophomore year as a 2019 New York State Sportswriters Association Class B 4thTeam All-Star and earned LoHud Player of the Week honors when she played second base and pitched for the Putnam Valley Tigers. Emily is a solid two-way player who hits for power and average and plays solid defense in the field. When she came to Harvey last year, Emily was slated to start at third base for the Cavaliers. “I was very disappointed when the 2020 spring season was canceled,” Emily said. “Not only was I looking forward to playing my first season for Harvey, but I also lost out on the opportunity to bond with my new teammates during the scheduled trip to Florida during spring break,” she said. Emily hopes there is a softball season for the Cavaliers this spring. “I’d like my knowledge of the game and experience to allow me to leave my mark on Harvey’s softball program in 2021,” she said. Coach Phillips is also looking forward to the spring season and having Emily join the squad. “It will be a shame to have Emily for only one year on the field, but I know she will be a great asset to the team,” Coach Phillips said.

Harvey’s director of athletics, Ray Lacen, called the commitment of Harvey’s two softball players to D1 schools “a tremendous accomplishment” for both the girls and the school’s athletic department. “Emily and Kathryn will serve as examples for all student-athletes who follow what can be accomplished when you have a dedication and desire to succeed,” Mr. Lacen said. “We all look forward to following their college careers, but first we will cheer them on to the HVAL Championship in 2021,” he added.

Harvey plans to celebrate the college commitments of Kathryn and Emily at a dual signing ceremony on a date not yet scheduled.