The CT Softball Blog

MIDDLETOWN—Carly Weisenberg never had a dream school growing up.

Instead, she let the recruiting process take her where it was meant to go.

School by school, campus by campus, the rising Mercy High School senior discovered what mattered most to her. And when she visited the University of New Haven, everything seemed to fall into place.

“There really wasn’t one specific school that was my dream school,” Weisenberg said. “I was open to any division, any state, anywhere. But when I toured New Haven, I really fell in love with the campus.”

The modern campus, open green spaces and, most importantly, the people, convinced the center fielder/second baseman she had found her future home.

Weisenberg had already developed a relationship with head coach Kelly Paterson during the recruiting process, but hearing current players rave about the culture Paterson was building only reinforced her decision.

“I really liked her coaching style,” Weisenberg said. “Talking with the athletes who were already there, they all loved her and the culture they’ve created.”

Mercy High School and CT Lightning coach Kas Hoag believes the Chargers are getting much more than another talented recruit.

“Carly is simply one of the best, and I’m not exaggerating,” Hoag said. “Every coach that’s ever had her has said the same thing. She’s probably the best all-around athlete I’ve ever coached.”

Beginning last year, the University of New Haven officially began its transition to NCAA Division I athletics. By the time Weisenberg arrives on campus in 2027, she’ll become part of the program’s second recruiting class in the new Division I era.

“It definitely excited me,” she said. “I’ll get to be part of those founding classes that first played at the Division I level.”

For many athletes, that opportunity alone would have been enough.

For Weisenberg, it simply became another reason to say yes.

Planning to major in sports management, she hopes one day to stay involved in athletics, perhaps helping coordinate game-day operations for an NFL franchise.

“I want to do something involved with putting on a big NFL football game,” she said. “Maybe as a game-day coordinator or something along those lines.”

It’s a goal that fits someone who has spent much of her life around sports.

Her older brother, Luke, currently plays baseball at Salve Regina University, and growing up she played soccer, basketball and softball before eventually deciding the diamond was where she belonged.

“I liked that softball had a little bit of everything,” Weisenberg said. “The hitting, the throwing, the fielding, the base running. It was a mix of everything instead of just one thing.”

Hoag believes what truly separates Weisenberg isn’t just her athleticism, but the way she thinks the game.

“Her softball IQ is probably better than anyone else I’ve ever coached,” Hoag said. “She’s an outstanding slapper, but she can also hit for power. Give her the right pitch and she’ll put it exactly where she wants it. She can slap it through the left side, drop one down the first-base line or drive it over the fence. She’s a nightmare for opposing pitchers.”

That versatility has become one of her greatest strengths.

Weisenberg opened last season in center field before sliding back to second base later in the year, giving Mercy another dependable option wherever she was needed.

“She’s the most versatile all-around softball player,” Hoag said. “She’d be a huge pickup for any college coach.”

During the summer, Weisenberg competes for one of Connecticut’s deepest travel programs, the CT Lightning.

Surrounded by teammates who have already committed to play college softball, she says the recruiting journey became much less intimidating.

“I’ve never been around a group like this,” she said. “Everybody has the same drive and determination to get better. Being on a team where everyone is committed, they really helped me through the recruiting process. I didn’t have to go through it alone.”

Hoag says Weisenberg’s patience at the plate only adds to the challenge for opposing defenses.

“She works deep into counts, doesn’t chase many pitches and makes pitchers work for everything,” Hoag said. “Then you add her speed, instincts and confidence once she gets on base, and she becomes a real problem.”

Before college arrives, however, there is still one chapter left to write.

Weisenberg will return to Mercy this spring as one of the Tigers’ captains alongside Julia Lane, helping lead one of the youngest rosters in the state.

Mercy graduates Iona commit Maggie Mathews, Penn State club softball commit Pip Karch and several other veterans, leaving Weisenberg eager to guide the next generation.

“I’m really excited to step into that leadership role,” she said. “We have a very young team, and I’m excited to help the underclassmen grow while cherishing my last year before college.”

Hoag believes the future is bright both for Weisenberg and the Chargers.

“I’m really happy Coach Paterson ended up getting both Carly and (CT Lightning teammate) Lilah (Talaga),” Hoag said. “It’s going to be exciting to watch them help build that program. I think they’re going to be really good contenders.”

College can wait, however.

There’s still one more season for Carly Weisenberg to play in a Mercy uniform.

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