When one chapter ends, another begins.
Such is the case for Marblehead High’s Luka Bornhorst, who wrapped up her high school softball career this past spring. Now, she looks ahead to playing Division 1 ball at Stonehill College.
Bornhorst, one of the Magicians’ top players the last few seasons, transferred from The Academy at Penguin Hall after her freshman year to attend Marblehead High.
“Coming on to the team, I didn’t know many people at Marblehead, but the team itself really took me in,” Bornhorst said. “Coach (Johnny) Gold and Coach Joe Fields were so welcoming, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to be welcomed in by. Getting to the spring my sophomore year was really special because I immediately just clicked into this community.”
It didn’t take long for Bornhorst to make an impact at the plate. Gold has called Bornhorst “the best catcher he’s ever coached” and “one of the best young ladies.”
Bornhorst was a key piece in helping Marblehead reach the Division 2 Final Four in 2024 — a Cinderella run she’ll always remember.
“Last year was an amazing success as a team, making it all the way to the semifinals. It was unreal and a dream come true,” she said. “I have endless memories with the team — from practicing to team dinners. It really was a great three years with the best people.”
Gold named Bornhorst a team captain and allowed her to call pitches from behind the plate.
“I learned a lot of leadership skills. I was lucky enough to be captain this year, and I think it taught me a lot,” Bornhorst said. “I grew mentally and I learned the game a lot more, situationally and mechanically. I think the team taught me a lot of leadership skills and they also showed me what it’s like to be a good teammate. This team made me more dedicated by the way they showed up every day. They are an inspiring group of people that definitely helped me grow in many aspects of my life.”
Bornhorst said Gold giving her the freedom to call pitches helped her become a better hitter. She finished her senior season with 20 hits, 16 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and a .351 batting average.
“Catching already keeps you locked into the game. Every play, you’re doing something, and that’s what I’ve always loved about it,” she said. “Being able to call pitches and learn the counts and evaluate the batters gets you that much more into the game, which is what I really love about catching — the constant need to be locked in and available every play . . . Calling the plays also helped me with my at-bats. It makes me think about what I would call, knowing my height, my stance, and count. It keeps you dialed in, which I love.”
Bornhorst credited Gold for instilling confidence in her.
“I think he is a big reason for how I can present myself on the field. Having someone of a higher power or even just as a mentor in general, he has so much faith and trust in me that I was able to trust myself and play my own game. I give him so much credit for the way I was able to perform the last few years,” she said.
Stonehill is next on Bornhorst’s agenda as she prepares to play at the highest level — something she’s dreamed of since she was a kid.
“It’s always been a dream. Just being able to make my little softball childhood self proud is really exciting,” she said. “I’m excited for the opportunities it’s going to bring. I’m going into it with an open mindset of just doing my best. Any opportunities I get to go on that field and practice, I’m just going to give it my all.”
One of the pitchers she’ll catch for is former Marblehead High standout Lauren Donovan. Donovan recently made history at Stonehill, tossing the program’s first no-hitter since 2016.
“I’m so excited. I’m super lucky to have Lauren as a mentor going into Stonehill. She’s seriously the coolest person, and I love how she plays the game,” Bornhorst said. “I feel extremely lucky to have her. I was able to catch for her a bit this summer, and I feel good talking to her about any questions that I have. She’s always available and makes herself super approachable for me. I’m very lucky to have her there. She’s really cool, and I look forward to being her teammate.”
