Softball is an intense sport that requires dedication and commitment through the whole year. Ashley Gardner is a pitcher for Revere’s Women’s Softball team, and she dedicates her time and years of training to the team. She is a great example of how players represent the sport . Gardner has played the game since she was four years old and has developed a great passion for the sport. Over the years, she has trained in the off-season, worked with different teams and coaches, and is now going into her junior season already committed to playing at the collegiate level. Gardner has had many coaches, teammates, family, and friends that have stood by her over the years. Her devotion to softball has brought Gardner greatness, and with the support of her teammates and coach, Gardner is ready to accomplish her many goals skillfully in the upcoming season.
Every season means hard work in softball for Gardner. Her participation and motivation never lack during the winter, spring, summer, or fall. Her position as a pitcher requires focus and control to keep the game moving. Her off-season training aids Gardner in developing these skills to be a productive and positive teammate.
“I’m a pitcher, and I just like having control and the ability to be in every play in the game and just being the laser and center of the team. I have Fall Ball with my club team, Winter Ball with the high school and then spring starts. I also have summer with my club team, so it’s year-round for me,” she said.
Gardner has her goals set for the season, and her positive attitude keeps these goals in line and achievable. She has goals she would love to see the team achieve and goals that are personal to her own growth. These goals create fun seasons and lots to look forward to. Gardner plans on working hard to help her team be successful with their goals as well as succeeding in her personal goals.
“For the team, we want to make it to districts and hopefully win districts. . . . It would also be nice if we were first or second in the league. [For] personal goals, it’s mostly ability related. I want more control with my pitches. . . . I want the best control possible. For hitting, I want to be more aggressive so I can get more hits when I play,” she said.
Women’s softball coach Amy Gilmore works to push her players to greatness every season and hopes to create a positive environment for them. Gilmore wants to see her players try their hardest to achieve their goals and put their all into the game. That is exactly what Gardner has done year after year to be able to play at the best of her ability to help not only herself, but her whole team be successful. Gilmore believes that every player has the chance to succeed when everyone works as a team and never gives up.
“That’s why you coach: to see the excitement of a player, to see them progress year after year, and being part of the positivity, intensity [and] hard work. Someone who wants to be there [and who] plays with all [their] heart, I think all of those characteristics are way better than natural talent. [They give] everything they have not for themselves, but for each other, . . . [and they] do everything they can to reach their goals for their teammates,” she said.
Gardner has played softball from a very young age. She has spent the last thirteen years developing new skills and experiences surrounding softball to better her game. Gardner is now committed to play softball at the collegiate level division three at the University of Rochester. Gardner was not always sure she wanted to play in college, but with the support of her team, coach and most importantly herself, she committed to her sport.
“I started playing softball when I was four years old. . . . It’s always been a big part of my life. There was a time I was unsure if I wanted to play softball in college because . . . it was almost like I was burnt out, [but] after joining my new club team, . . . my new coach helped me figure out why I wanted to play and why I loved the game. . . . It made me want to drive and push myself to the best of my abilities,” she said.
Gardner’s teammate and close friend Gayle Mishic supported Gardner’s achievements in and outside of softball. They have been playing together for nine years and have grown as players together. According to Mishic, Gardener has always been a fun, helpful and supportive teammate which positively impacted her softball career.
“I’ve played with her since sixth grade, so I’ve basically played with her my whole life. . . . She’s always been a great leader and teammate. I always have a lot of fun with her. She’s kind, caring, a great leader . . . and she has a very good softball IQ,” she said.
Gardner and Mishic’s friendship falls into softball and creates a special game for the two of them. Mishic was excited to hear about Gardner’s commitment to play at the collegiate level. Mishic hopes Gardner will achieve lots of success this season and is excited to watch her grow as a player in college.
“I hope she gains some confidence and hopefully has a better season. I hope she gets all-league and all-state honors because she really does deserve it. I was so proud of her. . . . I gave her the biggest hug ever because she really deserves it, and she’s one of my best friends,” she said.
Gardner is only in her junior season and has achieved many things that have made her teams and coaches proud. She dedicates much to the team and the sport, and her community celebrates her decision to play at the collegiate level. Her goals and hard work will continue into her senior season, and she can not wait to see what her last two highschool seasons have in store for her.
