Emily Novicki Reaches Milestone: Records 300th Career Strikeout at King’s College
By: Matt Flanagan | Sportzwire | April 4, 2025 | Photo courtesy Brianna Kesslick
A Story of Grit, Sacrifice, and Unyielding Determination
King’s College senior pitcher Emily Novicki etched her name into the record books on April 4, 2025, as she recorded her 300th career strikeout during a game against Delaware Valley. The milestone not only marks a significant personal achievement but also brings her just six strikeouts away from becoming the second all-time leader in strikeouts in King’s College history.
The Road to 300: A Journey of Dedication
Reaching this milestone did not come easy. Novicki’s path to collegiate success has been defined by resilience, sacrifice, and an unmatched work ethic. Her journey began at Berwick Area High School, where she made a name for herself as both a dominant pitcher and a power hitter.
On the mound, Novicki posted a stellar 2.55 career ERA over 216 innings, racking up 279 strikeouts. As a sophomore, she struck out 104 batters, and as a senior, she was nearly unstoppable with 175 strikeouts, holding opposing hitters to a .213 average. At the plate, she was equally impressive, boasting a .354 batting average, six home runs, and 44 RBIs. One of her most unforgettable high school moments came when she led Berwick to a victory over state runner-up Hazleton, going 3-for-3 with a home run and five RBIs while closing out the game on the mound.
Overcoming Adversity: A Relentless Comeback
Emily’s journey to collegiate success faced a major hurdle during her junior year of high school when she suffered devastating injuries, tearing both hip labrums. The recovery process was extensive, requiring two surgeries—one in March 2020 and the other in July 2020. The severity of the injuries put her softball future in jeopardy, but Emily refused to let that define her path.
Her recovery process was made possible with outstanding care from Dr. Hans Olsen and Michele Smith at Geisinger, along with Dr. Ian Stout and myself, Matt Flanagan. With their expertise and guidance, Emily remained ahead of her recovery schedule, working tirelessly to ensure she would be back on the field for her senior season.
However, it wasn’t just the medical care that made the difference—it was Emily’s unwavering commitment to the process. Just four months post-surgery, she was swinging a bat. At six months, she resumed pitching. Determined to come back stronger, she would wake up early on weekends, often when most high school students were still in bed, and make the 45-minute drive to the gym to train. Her willingness to sacrifice sleep and comfort to put in the hard work was remarkable.
Watching Emily’s dedication and perseverance throughout her recovery was truly inspiring. I am grateful to have been part of her journey and have enjoyed seeing her success move forward from that challenging period. I couldn’t be prouder of the player and person she has become.
Dominance at King’s College
Once she arrived at King’s College, Novicki quickly established herself as the ace of the staff. As a freshman, she posted a 2.89 ERA with nine wins and 64 strikeouts. Her sophomore year was even more impressive, with a 1.53 ERA, 11 wins, and 113 strikeouts, earning her All-MAC Freedom Second Team honors. In her junior season, she continued her dominance with a 2.93 ERA and 77 strikeouts. Now, as a senior, she boasts a 1.51 ERA and 41 strikeouts through just 46.1 innings, showcasing her continued growth and consistency.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning multiple MAC Freedom Pitcher of the Week titles and recognition as an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete. With games still remaining in the season, Emily has her sights set on moving into second place on the college’s all-time strikeout list, needing just six more to achieve that historic mark.
A Legacy of Toughness and Commitment
Reaching 300 strikeouts is a testament to Emily Novicki’s relentless drive and the sacrifices she has made throughout her career. Whether it was the early mornings driving 45 minutes to train or the grueling recovery sessions post-surgery, she has proven time and again that hard work and perseverance pay off.
As Emily continues her senior season, one thing is certain: her legacy at King’s College will be remembered not only for her record-setting numbers but for the incredible journey that brought her there. The next few games hold the potential for another historic milestone, and with Emily’s determination, there’s no doubt she will rise to the occasion once again.
