The Worcester native guided the first US Olympic women’s softball team in Atlanta in 1996, and then guided Team USA to a repeat gold in Sydney in 2000.

But earlier this month, on a stretch of private property on Martha’s Vineyard, Byrne was one of 35 young players from across the region participating in an exclusive, two-day softball game, all under the watchful eye of the 86-year-old Raymond, and run by University of South Florida coach Ken Eriksen, also an assistant with the US National women’s team.

As Byrne recalls, Raymond rarely spoke. But when he did, everyone on the field stopped and listened. In addition to his Olympic triumphs, Raymond owns more than 3,000 career wins (with 172 losses), guiding the Stratford, Conn.-based Brakettes from 1967 to 1994, and is a member of the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame.

Byrne and every other player on hand was in the presence of greatness. But it was Raymond who sought out the promising third baseman/shortstop.

More than anything, it speaks to her athleticism. It was only within the last year that Byrne chose to dedicate herself fully to softball. Last winter, she averaged over 15 points per game and 12 rebounds per game for the Lynn Classical girls’ basketball team, including a 28-point effort against Saugus. She earned a spot on the Northeastern Conference all-star team.

But according to Byrne, she’s always had a knack for softball.

“My parents tell me I’ve been good, even since I was young,’’ she said. “I had a natural gift, but I had to work at it to keep up.’’

After years of competing in age groups two years above her, Byrne realized that her glove could take her places. It just happened sooner than she expected, at a summer tournament in Lowell in July.

While playing third base for her junior team, the North Shore Storm, Byrne caught the eye of umpire Bill Hamilton, who also works as an assistant to Raymond. Her impressive swing and soft hands at the hot corner helped her stand out. After the game, Hamilton asked Storm coach John Gambale about Byrne.

“It’s pretty unusual for an umpire to strike up a conversation like that after a game,’’ said Gambale, who has coached softball for 15 years. “At first I disregarded it. But as I was listening, I realized he really knew his stuff. That caught my attention.’’

“Her glove work is flawless,’’ said Hamilton, recalling the first time he watched Byrne play. “She has a lot of talent, especially for a tall, lanky kid.’’

That tall, lanky kid may be an unusual talent, but she’s proven herself. Last spring, she led Classical with 28 RBIs and 27 runs, while hitting .405 and stealing seven bases. Her efforts helped the Rams to a 17-5 record and their second NEC title in three years.

But to be selected by one of the most important figures in softball history is special. And yet, through everything, she has kept a modest attitude.

“I’m just honored to be selected,’’ Byrne said. “I was just glad to have the opportunity for [Raymond and his staff] to see me play and help me improve.’’

Despite her modest attitude, the truth is that Hamilton seeing her play may change the course of her future.

With the talent to play softball at the collegiate level, exposure to college programs is critical.

The inaugural two-day clinic was quickly put together, but with a long-term purpose in mind. The camp will likely expand next year, involving even more of the most talented softball players from across New England. Down the line, Raymond hopes to put together an elite travel squad to play all around the country.

“He really does it for the game,’’ Hamilton said. “We are hoping to develop the game to a point where the girls in this area can compete at the highest level nationally.’’

“I have seen a lot of softball in my time,’’ Gambale said. “And I have rarely, if ever, seen talent like Hannah’s. She could compete at that level, no questions asked.’’

And while Byrne would love the opportunity to compete on a team like that, she is more focused on her senior year and beyond.

“I just want to do well,’’ Byrne said. “I’m hoping we can get another NEC title and do well in the state tournament. And hopefully I get an opportunity at the next level.’’

Doug Saffir can be reached at dsaffir@globe.com.