Rachel Everett, Staff Writer

When not working on her dual-enrollment classes and hanging out with her friends, Ashlen Wilson can be found on the softball field leading the Lady Titans.

Wilson got her start playing softball when she was in elementary school. She took after her father and older brother, both of whom play baseball. Eventually, Wilson’s interests shifted, and she stopped playing softball to play soccer, then exploring gymnastics and a few other sports after that. After moving to Georgia, her dad signed her up for the softball team at Northview High School. Although she was reluctant at first, Wilson thanks her dad for the opportunity.

"When I came to high school my dad was like you're going to play softball. I said no I don’t want to, I don’t need to play a sport [but] he signed me up anyways,” Wilson said. “I appreciate him for that because it's been a pretty fun past three years.”

Throughout her years on the team, Wilson has been able to work her way up through the ranks; her motivation to be a leader in her team stems from the impact that past seniors have had on her. Seeing how they lead by encouraging collaboration and teamwork, really left a mark on Wilson. Wilson unknowingly gained the qualities fit for a leader through others. Specifically, Wilson really gets to know her teammates, not just on the field but on a personal level as well. 

“The seniors are always doing things to make sure we're working together and I think watching them and seeing how they lead us to so good, had taught me to do that for this year’s season. Getting to know each person and how they work also helps better the team,” Wilson said.

As captain of the softball team, Wilson works on and off the field with her teammates. On the field, she plays first base. Wilson is typically the first line of defense against the batter. Although she is only at her base, she has to communicate with her team and make sure everything is going smoothly on the field. This includes having a game plan prior to the game. Off the field, Wilson works to help players and bond with them. Sometimes when asked a question, Wilson may not have an answer but will always work to find one.

“It's a lot of work sometimes, people are constantly texting me and asking questions, coming up during practice asking me questions... It’s a lot of having to deal with multiple things at the same time,” Wilson said. 

Her teammates are big supporters of Wilson and really enjoy being around her. Through practice, she acts goofy and light-hearted but can get down to business when needed. They notice her hard-working personality and kindness through her teaching style. At the end of practice, Wilson talks to the team and ensures that each of them takes away something from practice.

“She takes what the coaches say and tries to involve that in what she tells the team at the end of practice and makes sure we listen to that. she takes what we learned at practice to heart,” teammate Kelsea Moody said.

Along with her teammates, her parents and family are big supporters of hers; they go to each game, both home and away. Her dad, James Wilson, is an especially big influence on her. After each game, she and J Wilson discuss what happened in the game and work on becoming even better. J Wilson is committed to helping Wilson with her softball career and ensuring she becomes the best she can be.

“I choose to support all my children in the sports they choose. I think it is important to be on a team, honor that commitment, and give it your all. You learn a lot about yourself and others playing sports that is valuable as you progress through life and work,” J Wilson said.

While not playing softball, Wilson is working on her dual enrollment classes and working towards the career she hopes to pursue. In college, Wilson is interested in medicine, specifically pediatric medicine. Her love of being around children makes her the perfect candidate, and her passion for helping children with special needs even led to her working at a summer camp for kids with special needs in the communications department. Whether it is through her love of softball, her ability to lead, or her interest in medicine, Wilson is a well-rounded student, not afraid to get her hands dirty when needed. Her bubbly personality lightens up every practice for teammates and her diligent personality shines through as she continues to works to achieve her goals.