STEADY INFLUENCE
Hackbarth gave her all while serving as positive influence on Lynx community
Trending
Morgan Hackbarth officially hung up her Webster City jersey for a final time this summer at the conclusion of the softball season.
But for Hackbarth, the memories she made competing in three sports will stick with her for the rest of her life.
Hackbarth was named the 2025-26 Seneca Foundry Daily Freeman-Journal Female Athlete of the Year, given annually to the top senior girl in the area.
"Being a Webster City athlete meant a lot to me because of how big of a competitor I am," Hackbarth said. "Whether it's in the offseason at weights or speed (drills), during the season in practice or games, I'm always working hard to compete the best I can for my team. Being able ot put on a Lynx jersey for these last four years has been an honor, and will be something I'll never take for granted.
"I'll miss many things about being an athlete at Webster City, but one of the biggest things I will miss is the quality time I spent with my teammates. Over the years, I have built many very close friendships (thanks to Webster City athletics). Whether it's the early morning practices, tournaments, or celebrations after big wins, I'll always remember the many memories with my teammates."
In three seasons on the diamond for the Lynx, Hackbarth recorded 47 hits with 21 runs scored, 28 RBI and 14 steals. She tallied 92 assists and 56 serving aces on the volleyball court over her last two seasons.
Hackbarth was also a key member of the Webster City tennis program, but had to hang up her racket when the sport switched to the fall and coincided with the volleyball campaign.
"Some key influences throughout my high school career were my mom, my brother, Max, and all of my coaches," Hackbarth said. "My mom has always been there for me and supported me in not only athletics, but my whole life. She has always pushed me ot be my best and taught me that the bare minimum is not good enough. I was always around baseball because of my family, and Max would help me with hitting and fielding drills.
"My (senior year) coaches -- Jess Howard, Brad VanDeer and Tyler Mosbach -- were also so important. Jess has always been a person that I was looking forward to being coached by, Brad has always been a coach that puts his players first, and Tyler had a big impact on how I treated the weight room."
Hackbarth was twice named to the all-North Central Conference volleyball squad, including earning first team honors as a senior. She was all-district on the volleyball court, and also made the all-NCC second team in softball.
"I would like to be remembered by future Webster City athletes as someone who always showed up and put in 100 percent effort towards always wanting to get better," Hackbarth said. "I would also like to be remembered as a fierce competitor and a good teammate who was always willing to do whatever was best for not only myself, but my team, as well."
Hackbarth plans to attend Iowa Central this fall, enrolling in the nursing program.