By Andy Dawson, Samford Athletics Communication

On March 10, 2013, Mollie Hanson tossed the first no-hitter from a Samford pitcher in almost a decade. Two days and one pitch later, she saw her season and possibly her career slip away due to a shoulder injury.
 
For Hanson, it had always been about softball, beginning at the age of eight. For the last 13 years she has been refining and cultivating an impressive set of skills as a pitcher. Although she also grew up playing middle infield, over the years she became more and more confident in the circle.
 
Hanson grew up in Dothan, Ala. and attended Northview High School. In high school, Hanson put up record setting numbers and gathered many accolades and awards. One of which included be named best Offensive and Defensive player at Northview High School. 
 
Out of high school, Hanson attended Shelton State Community College for a year. At Shelton State, she had the opportunity to play for her former pitching coach.  After a year at Shelton State, Samford head coach Mandy Burford approached Hanson with the opportunity to be a Bulldog.
 
"It just so happened that after a year, Coach Burford needed a pitcher," said Hanson. "And I was happy to come."
 
Since coming to Samford, Hanson has experienced tremendous success on the diamond. Hanson's first year playing at Samford was cut short due to a shoulder injury, following an incredible outing versus UNCG.
 
"It just kind of happened," Hanson recalled. "My bicep had been tight the whole year, and I didn't think anything about it. And then one pitch, and it was done. Honestly, I never thought that this could be it. Our trainer at the time really pushed us hard, because there were three of us that ended the season at about the same time."
 
Despite only playing 16 games in 2013, Hanson still managed to be one of eight SoCon pitchers to toss more than 100 strikeouts. She also led the team in ERA in 2013, posting an incredible 1.76 in 83.2 innings pitched. 
 
Returning to the circle last year, Hanson picked up right where she left off. Due to the help of the training and coaching staff, she improved on her already great numbers from the previous year.
 
In 2014, Hanson appeared in 40 games and pitched 199.1 innings. From the circle her control did not waver as she threw 166 strikeouts, compared to 49 walks. In addition to her on field stats, she was named to the 2014 All-SoCon First Team.
 
However, through both the success and the hardship, Hanson recognizes that her team and coaching staff are always there for her.
 
"It's really a team thing," Hanson said. "I mean we all push each other 100 percent, everyone wants to see the other person do well. I definitely couldn't do it without my teammates. The defense saves me every game; the hitters do great, so it's definitely all because of them."
 
Last season, the Bulldogs had the best record in school history. This year, the goal will be to maintain the momentum as they move forward into the bulk of the season.
 
Burford and the staff have done a great job of gathering not only the best talent, but the best people as well. As the team moves forward, they not only see a bright future for the program, but also for each other.
 
"I love the small community and really the relationship that all the players on the team have with one another." said Hanson. "It sounds cliché, but we really are sisters. We'll have practice all day, and then hang out. We have a lot of classes together, and we just always want to be around each other. She (Coach Burford) really tries to get the best people on and off the field. So we all share the same values and come from the same kind of families, so we really click."
 
For Hanson moving forward, she hopes to stay at Samford and pursue a Masters of Education degree. She is currently a redshirt junior studying sports administration.
 
Through her experiences on and off the field, she has come to the realization that nothing is a given and we have to take each moment for granted.
 
"Being hurt and having to sit out and watch that season. Not being able to go out there and help my teammates," Hanson said about her motivation. "Just knowing that I can't ever take another pitch for granted, at anytime it could be over. So really living in the moment and enjoying it, and playing with and for my teammates."
 
The Bulldogs opened the 2015 season on Feb. 6, versus Miami (Ohio) with a 5-0 win. Hanson started the opener versus Miami. She went five innings without giving up a run, and picked up her first win of the year.
 
Hanson has collected two wins and a save to start the season. As a team, the Bulldogs are 4-2 and off to a great start. Samford will be back in action hosting the Samford Classic this weekend, Feb. 13-15.
 
The Bulldogs will look for a great showing at the Samford Classic as they look to repeat the recording setting season they had last year.