MORGANTOWN – When discussing the top softball catchers around the state, University High School’s Olivia Masoner should be one of the first names mentioned in the conversation.
For four years, the multi-year first-team all-state selection has been a talisman for the Hawks program in all aspects, including playing a key role in the 2024 state championship run her sophomore year.
Masoner continued her strong play for UHS in 2026, helping her team finish as Class AAAA runner-up.
Offensively, she batted .323 with 31 hits, 27 RBIs, and 17 runs scored. 18 of her 31 hits went for extra bases, with 15 doubles, a triple, and two homers. She also drew 18 walks.
Defensively, she has been one of the most sure-handed catchers behind the plate in the entire state in any class for four seasons, even calling the pitches for her teammates throwing in the circle since she was a freshman.
For her efforts, Masoner was named the 2026 Johnny Bench Award winner as the top catcher in West Virginia high school softball.
“When I first heard the news, I was honestly in shock,” Masoner said. “Then I started thinking about how much time, effort, and dedication I’ve put into becoming a better catcher, player, and teammate over the years. It felt like all of that hard work had finally paid off.”
Masoner says the Bench Award is especially important because it highlights a position that doesn’t get much attention.
“I love being a catcher because you’re involved in every pitch and have a huge impact on the game,” she said. “Catchers help control the tempo of the game, work closely with the pitcher, and make important defensive plays when the game is on the line.”
The 2026 UHS senior class will go down as one of the most impactful classes in program history, and Masoner was at the center of that group for four years.
“One of my biggest goals was simply to enjoy my last season playing with my girls and being coached by my dad (Travis),” she said. “Moments don’t last forever. On the field, I wanted to continue producing offensively, help my team win games, and, hopefully, break some records. Looking back, I’m proud that I was able to accomplish those goals while making great memories along the way. One of my favorites was 2024, when Maddie Campbell threw the final strike to secure the first championship in school history. That’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
The winners of the 2026 Johnny Bench Awards, presented by MSA Sport, honor the top NCAA Division I male and female college catchers, along with the top high school baseball and softball catchers from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia each year.
