Last updated on: March 25, 2026
When Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (“The Big Dumper”) crushed his historic 60th home run in front of 42,000 roaring fans during the 2025 AL West clinch, one person’s reaction stood out: his girlfriend Hannah Shimek. She posted on Instagram, “Greatness was witnessed today… I love you big.” Moments like her simple “MOOOOOOOOD” story after the Josh Naylor signing or her heartfelt “Always my MVP” after the AL MVP race captured the hearts of Mariners fans everywhere.
Hannah Shimek isn’t your typical MLB WAG. She’s a 26-year-old Seattle native, former two-time NAIA national champion softball star, accomplished sales and marketing professional, and part-time hitting instructor who brings the same competitive fire and grounded support to her relationship with Cal that she once showed on the diamond.
Born on April 18, 1999, in Seattle, Washington, Hannah stands at an athletic 5’10″–5’11”. She grew up in Bothell in the Greater Seattle area and has been dating Cal Raleigh since 2023. As of March 2026, the couple is not married and has no children, but they continue building a low-key, drama-free life together in the Pacific Northwest.
Their story is one of shared athletic passion, timing that aligned with Cal’s breakout, and a partnership that feels refreshingly real. Here’s everything you need to know about Hannah Shimek — the woman behind (and beside) one of MLB’s biggest stars.
Early Life and High School Dominance in Bothell, WA
Hannah Shimek was born and raised in the Seattle suburbs, primarily in Bothell, Washington. Her parents are Michele and Tom Shimek, and she has a younger brother named Zach. Sports ran in her blood from an early age.
At Inglemoor High School (graduated 2017), Hannah became a multi-sport standout and one of the most decorated athletes in school history:
- Set the Inglemoor school record for career batting average: .461
- Senior year (2017): First-team All-KingCo at shortstop; led the county in runs (23), RBI (21), and triples (6); batted .536
- Also excelled in basketball (lettered three years) and was voted the school’s best women’s multi-sport athlete
- Honor student who graduated with 30 college credits already earned
Her high school coach and teammates remember her as a fierce competitor with elite speed, bat control, and leadership. That foundation in the Seattle area later made supporting a Mariners star feel like a natural extension of her own athletic journey.
College Softball Stardom at Southern Oregon University (Two-Time National Champion)
Hannah took her talents to Southern Oregon University (SOU), where she became a cornerstone of the Raiders’ dynasty in the NAIA Cascade Conference.
She played primarily as an infielder (second base and shortstop) and was known as a slap-hitting speedster — the perfect contrast to Cal Raleigh’s power-hitting style behind the plate.
Key Achievements:
- Two-time NAIA National Champion (2019 and 2021)
- Multiple All-Cascade Conference honors
- CCC Player of the Week multiple times
- Academic All-Conference selections (strong 3.5+ GPA while balancing athletics)
- Broke SOU’s all-time career RBI record (at one point reaching 143)
Here’s a breakdown of her standout college stats (compiled from official SOU athletics records):
| Year | Games | AVG | Hits | Runs | RBI | SB | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 (Fr.) | ~ | .359 | 84 | 58 | 47 | 36 | 16-game hit streak; 26 multi-hit games; 30 consecutive SB streak |
| 2019 (So.) | 60 | .345 | – | 50 | 54 | 24/28 | All-CCC 1st Team; 10-game hit streak; 21-game on-base streak; 1st career HR |
| 2020 (Jr.) | 21 | .314 | 22 | 24 | 13 | 9/9 | Academic All-CCC (COVID-shortened) |
| 2021 (Sr.) | – | .423 | – | – | – | 34 | Broke career RBI record; Top-3 all-time in hits (176), RBI (114+), runs (132), SB (69) |
Hannah’s speed and consistency helped SOU win back-to-back national titles. She ended her career ranked No. 2 in hits and RBI, and No. 3 in stolen bases in program history. Her Instagram bio still proudly reads: “Southern Oregon University Softball 2x National Champ.”
Professional Career After Softball
After graduating with a degree in Communications (focus on social media and public engagement) and a minor in Business, Hannah returned to the Greater Seattle area.
Current Roles (2026):
- Sales and Marketing Specialist at Cascade Sales, Inc. in Kirkland, WA (contact: [email protected])
- Hitting Instructor (baseball & softball) at Base By Pros in Lynnwood — she runs lessons and programs like the EMPOWHER girls’ hitting clinic and Little Sluggers sessions
She brings the same passion for developing young athletes that she once showed as a player. Fans and parents often praise her patient, technical coaching style rooted in her own elite experience.
Relationship with Cal Raleigh: Full Timeline (2023–2026)
Cal Raleigh and Hannah Shimek began dating in 2023 — the exact year Cal exploded into an All-Star caliber player. Many fans and media outlets have playfully called her his “secret weapon” because his breakout coincided so perfectly with their relationship.
Key Moments:
- 2023 — Relationship begins (low-key at first; details of how they met remain private, though some speculate college sports circles played a role)
- 2024 — Public debut at the Mariners Care Foundation Summer Soiree
- 2025 — Power couple year: Attended the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby in Atlanta together; cheered through the AL West clinch; supported Cal during the playoffs with custom #29 WAG fits and in-person appearances (including a rain-soaked Game 3 vs. Tigers)
- Viral reactions: “Greatness witnessed… I love you big” after HR #60; “MOOOOOOOOD” for the Naylor signing; “Always my MVP” after the AL MVP race; “It is hard to put into words the pride I feel…”
As of March 2026, they are still partners — not married, with no children announced. Their relationship stays grounded: Hannah often watches games from regular seats with fans rather than luxury boxes, and they share a mutual love for sports without courting the spotlight.
Why It Works Both are elite athletes who understand the grind. Hannah’s speed-and-contact mindset complements Cal’s power. She provides steady emotional support while maintaining her own successful career.
Personality, Lifestyle & Instagram Presence
Hannah’s Instagram (@hannahshimek_, ~13K followers) offers a refreshing glimpse into her life: Mariners games, family time, throwback softball photos, travel, fitness, and sweet tributes to Cal. She comes across as bubbly, kind, authentic, and down-to-earth — the type of partner who celebrates “her girls” (friends and family) as much as big league moments.
At 5’10″–5’11” with an athletic build, she stays active through coaching and training. Seattle life suits her perfectly: rooting for the Mariners by day and balancing a corporate role by week.
Hannah Shimek as Cal Raleigh’s “Secret Weapon”
Timing is everything in sports and relationships. Cal’s monster 2025 season (60 HR leading MLB, Home Run Derby champion, All-Star starter, deep postseason run) began right around when he started dating Hannah. Media outlets like SI.com and Heavy have openly called her his supportive “secret weapon.”
Her athletic background gives her unique insight into the mental side of the game. Cal has spoken indirectly about the stability she brings, and fans love seeing her genuine reactions — whether it’s playoff cheers or quiet pride after tough losses.
READ ALSO: Cal Raleigh Net worth, Age, Partner, Family, Facts & More
FAQS
How old is Hannah Shimek?
She is 26 years old (born April 18, 1999).
How tall is Hannah Shimek?
Approximately 5’10″–5’11”.
What does Hannah Shimek do for a living?
She works as a Sales and Marketing Specialist at Cascade Sales, Inc. in Kirkland, WA, and is a hitting instructor for baseball and softball at Base By Pros.
Did Hannah Shimek win national championships?
Yes — two NAIA national championships with Southern Oregon University in 2019 and 2021.
When did Hannah Shimek and Cal Raleigh start dating?
They began their relationship in 2023.
Is Hannah Shimek married to Cal Raleigh?
No. As of March 2026, they are partners and not married. No engagement or wedding has been announced.
What is Hannah Shimek’s Instagram?
@hannahshimek_
Where did Hannah Shimek go to college? Southern Oregon University,
where she was a star infielder and two-time national champion.
Does Hannah Shimek have any children with Cal Raleigh?
No children have been announced.
Conclusion
Hannah Shimek represents the perfect blend of athletic excellence, professional drive, and genuine support. From breaking records at Inglemoor High and winning national titles at SOU to building a career in sales/marketing while coaching the next generation, she continues to thrive on her own terms.
For Cal Raleigh, she’s more than a girlfriend — she’s a steady presence who understands the highs and lows of elite sports. Together, this Seattle power couple embodies hard work, loyalty, and quiet strength.
Follow her journey on Instagram @hannahshimek_ and keep an eye on the Mariners in 2026. Whether cheering from the stands or posting a simple “I love you big,” Hannah Shimek reminds us that behind every big-league breakout, there’s often an equally impressive partner.
This article was researched and compiled from official athletics records (SOU Raiders), LinkedIn, Instagram, MaxPreps, and reputable sports media reports as of March 2026. Sources will be updated as new information emerges.
