Sportzwire Athlete of the Week: Lake-Lehman's Hannah Chipego
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | April 18, 2026 | Photo courtesy Bradley Dieffenbacher
Sportzwire Athlete of the Week (April 13) — Sponsored by Envy Electrical
Hannah Chipego | Lake-Lehman | Senior
This week’s Sportzwire Athlete of the Week honors a student-athlete whose dedication, versatility, and excellence have left a lasting mark on Lake-Lehman athletics. Senior Hannah Chipego has built a standout career defined by commitment, resilience, and a deep-rooted love for the game—especially softball, the sport that has shaped her journey since childhood.
Chipego’s athletic career has been anything but one-dimensional. Early in high school, she balanced multiple sports, competing in field hockey and basketball before making the decision to step away from both after her sophomore year. Her junior and senior years saw her give a try on the soccer field, adding another layer to her already impressive athletic résumé.
But it is on the softball diamond where Chipego has truly made her name.
Having played since the age of four, softball has always been more than just a sport to her—it’s part of who she is. “I just grew up watching my mom play it and was always surrounded by the game,” Chipego said. “I think that’s how I developed my love for the game.” That early influence has translated into years of elite performance and remarkable consistency.
A three-time All-State selection, Chipego has cemented herself as one of the top players in Pennsylvania. She etched her name into Lake-Lehman history by breaking the school’s strikeout record, surpassing the previous mark of 503 held by Cherub Honeywell. By the end of last season, Chipego had racked up an astonishing 620 career strikeouts from 9th through 12th grade—and she continues to build on that total.
Her list of accolades speaks volumes: two-time MaxPreps PA Athlete of the Week, three-time Citizen’s Voice Player of the Week, and a three-time Times Leader All-WVC Team selection. She was named Citizen’s Voice Softball Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024 and earned the publication’s MVP honor in 2025. On the team level, she has helped lead Lake-Lehman to three WVC 3A Softball Championships and a District 2 Class 3A runner-up finish in 2025, while also capturing a District Championship during her junior season.
Chipego’s talent has also been recognized on a larger stage, earning her a spot on the 2023 16U USA Softball Team—an honor that highlights her ability to compete among the nation’s best.
Off the field, she continues to impress. A member of the National Honor Society and a high honors student, Chipego balances academic excellence with her athletic commitments. She also gives back to her community by volunteering with local little leagues, assisting at practices, and offering lessons to younger players—passing on the same passion that was instilled in her years ago.
When asked about who inspires her most, Chipego doesn’t hesitate. “Who inspired me was my mom,” she said. “She’s the one who’s always helped me, taught me everything I know, gave me the love for the game, and introduced me to it.”
Next year, Chipego will take her talents to James Madison University, where she will continue her softball career while pursuing a degree in Early Education. Her decision came down to more than just athletics. “It felt like home,” she said. “Everyone was very welcoming.” She also praised the coaching staff, noting the strong support system she felt.
From record-breaking performances to community impact and academic success, Hannah Chipego embodies what it means to be a complete student-athlete. For her achievements and her continued excellence, she is a deserving choice for Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week.
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter / X
YouTube
