It may be one of the worst kept “secrets” but it was officially announced today on HokieSports: BLACKSBURG – Head coach Pete D'Amour and Virginia Tech softball announced that All-ACC catcher, Mackenzie Lawter, will be returning as a student assistant coach for the 2022-23 season. "It's a blessing to be able to have Mackenzie back in Blacksburg. There aren't many players that embody what our program is better than Mack," D'Amour said. "Everything she did while playing modeled what we want from our players. Having played for us for four years, she'll be a great resource for our players as far as expectations and standards are concerned. This is home for Mack! " A key component behind the plate for the Hokies, Lawter finished up her fifth year of eligibility during the 2022 season. Following her senior season, the catcher was named to the All-ACC Second Team, as well as NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team. Throughout her career, Lawter started in 170 games in a Hokie uniform, appearing in 181 total. She finished her time at Tech with an impressive .992 fielding percentage and threw out 37 baserunners. At the plate, Lawter recorded 25 home runs over her career, with 72 RBI. Lawter also called the pitches from behind the plate. At the 2022 Blacksburg Regional, Lawter played a big role in advancing the Hokies to Super Regionals. She hit a two-run home run to bring in the game-winning run over Miami (OH) in an elimination game. The next day, Lawter hit the go-ahead three-run home run against No. 15 Kentucky in game seven to put the Hokies in position to close out the Regional with a win. Lawter will work with all aspects of the program this season. She will graduate from Virginia Tech in May 2023 with a Master's in Reputation Management.