RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
We remember when it happened like it was yesterday: right before Christmas of 2016, word leaked out that Loring Rogers, the father of All-American pitcher Ashley Rogers, died suddenly of a heart attack.
His impact was so strong not just in the softball community, but around the state that more than 1,000 people waited to pay their respects and the line went out the church and into the street as friends and loved ones waited in the rain—some up to four hours—to pay their respects.
It’s no wonder that Ashley, along with the loving support of her mother Lynda, has turned out to be such an amazing athlete and, more importantly, a person.
The school valedictorian as well as a record-setting pitcher, she lived her childhood dream of signing with the Tennessee Vols last November and is not just one of the top players in the senior class, she’s also one who should make a huge impact when she sets foot on the UT campus this fall.
Here’s a closer look at a pitcher/hitter you’ll be hearing a lot about at the next level…
NAME: ASHLEY ROGERS
Hometown/ST: Athens, Tennessee
Grad Year: 2018
Position(s): P/1B
Club Team: Tennessee Fury Premier
High School (City/ST): Meigs County High School (Decatur, Tennessee)
GPA: 4.0 (Valedictorian)
College: University of Tennessee
When committed? March 2016
Height: 5-foot-10
Top Honors/Accomplishments: 2016 & 2017 TSSAA Class A State Champions; 2017 Gatorade Tennessee Softball Player of the Year; 2018 USA Today All-USA Preseason High School Team; 2017 1st team All-American – Pitchers; 2017 American Family Insurance All-USA High School Softball 2nd team; 2017 MaxPreps Softball All-American 2nd Team; 2018 Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame Female Athlete of the Year; 2016 & 2017 TNSCA Class A East Miss Softball; 2016 & 2017 Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps Softball Player of the Year; 2016 & 2017 All-State Team TN Sportswriters Association; 2018 MaxPreps Softball Player of the Year watch list; 2015, 2016 & 2017 All-district; TSSAA State Tournament Strikeout Record – 80
High School Records: Most strikeouts in a season – 441; Most strikeouts in a career: 1,251 (as of 5/5/18) ; Most strikeouts in a game: 25; Most homer runs in a season: 15; Most home runs in a career: 32; Most wins in a season: 33; Most wins in a career: 99 (as of 5/5/18); Most perfect games in a season and career; Most no-hitters in a season and career; Most shutouts in a season and career
Current High School Stats: Meigs 2018 Stats (as of May 5)
— Pitching: Record: 20-1; Innings:108; Perfect Games: 6; Shutouts: 20; No-hitters: 2; ERA: 0.06 (1 earned run); Strikeouts: 248 (double-digit strikeouts in every complete game); Walks allowed: 3
— Hitting: Batting average: .544; OBP: .607; SLG: 1.029; Home runs: 7; RBI: 32
Other Sports: Basketball at Fairview Christian Academy (four-time TAACS State Champions; over 2,000 career points)
Preferred College Major: Pre-Medicine
*****
The end of your senior year is coming up fast… what are your thoughts (excited or getting sad)?
It is definitely a bittersweet feeling. It is sad to see this chapter of my life come to a close; however, I am definitely ready for the next chapter and to see what God has in store for my life.
Do you have any big or fun graduation plans?
Hopefully return the state tournament a few days afterwards!
What are you must excited about looking forward to this summer?
I am excited about traveling all over the country to play softball, and also spending my last high school summer doing fun things with my closest friends.
Looking back on your high school/club career what’s been your favorite experience or experiences, both in softball and off the field?
The best experience with softball is all the amazing friends I have made that I would not have met if it were not for this game. My closest friends have been made through softball, and honestly, I would not have it any other way. The friends I have made through the years of playing softball are the greatest friends I could ever ask for, and I am very blessed and thankful for every single one of them.
Have you had a chance to go to the Tennessee campus recently? What are you looking forward most about moving into your college career?
Since I live only an hour away from UT’s campus, I am actually up there rather frequently to watch softball games and visit my brother, who currently attends Tennessee and is a manager for the softball team. Obviously, I am very excited to play softball for the University of Tennessee, but I am also excited to meet new people and to see where God directs me through these four years to life beyond softball.
Was there an “aha” moment when you knew your college was right for you? I grew up as a Tennessee fan, and I always dreamed of playing for the Lady Vols; however, when I was younger, I had no idea I would be good enough to play at that level.
During my sophomore year, I had signed up for the Tennessee Christmas camp because a coach from one of the schools I was looking at was going to be there. At this time, I had been to multiple lower level Division I school’s camps and the coaches showed interest, but had not offered. I was distraught about that, so I almost did not go to the Tennessee camp. Thank goodness I did!
I went to the camp and Ralph and Karen (Weekly) saw my pitching and hitting, and I guess they liked what they saw. They called me over and asked me a few questions and invited me back for a visit in January. I loved everything about my visit, and I ended up committing a couple months later. I knew Tennessee was the place for me because the way God opened and closed doors for me led me right to Tennessee, and I would not have it any other way.
What would you say are your strengths on the field? And what did the college coaches say they liked about your game?
I’ve been told by multiple coaches at all levels that I have good composure on the mound. No matter the situation I have a calm composure and a straight face, and I perform well under pressure. Also, as a pitcher, I believe I do a good job of limiting free bases via walks and hit batters.
What’s something you’d like to work on this summer prior to you beginning your freshman year?
I’d like to make my pitching arsenal a little stronger, to where I can throw any pitch to any batter in any count or situation.
What’s the event you’re looking forward to most this spring or summer and why?
The Colorado tournament. Colorado is one the prettiest and most favorite places I have ever been to and I cannot wait to go back to the Rockies.
What’s the best advice you’re ever received?
Never become satisfied – you can ALWAYS get better!
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: “competitor.” Off the field: “genuine.”
What worries you most about what your generation of teenagers are facing now in the world or in the future?
We’re straying further and further away from God, which is a scary thought. He is the one who has blessed us with all that we have, from each meal we have to the country we live in.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
In December of 2016 when I was 16, my father died unexpectedly of a heart attack. It was definitely the hardest thing I have ever had to go through.
I struggled with it for several months, because alongside my mother, he was my biggest supporter.
It was difficult not having him there at all my games, for he never missed a single one. It was hard not getting a hug and a “good job” or “I’m so proud of you” after a good game. Even after a bad game it was hard because I would subconsciously prepare myself to get chewed out like I always did, but it never came.
He pushed me to my limits and to continuously get better, and that overall made me into the player I am today. If it were not for him I would not be the person or player I am today.
When the death happened the amount of love, support and prayers we received was overwhelming. It really showed what an impact he left on everyone he met and knowing that gave me peace and even prouder to be his daughter.
Yes, this obstacle was difficult and life-changing, but God was with my family and I through this time and it is a part of His plan. I just hope my story could possibly be an inspiration to someone going through a similar and difficult situation.
Your opinion on protective masks for pitchers and/or infielders… for or against? Why or why not?
I believe it is the player’s choice to wear or not wear I mask. I wear one because my parents already spent thousands of dollars on braces, and I do not want to go through that again. It is just too big of a risk for my liking.
If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be and why?
Steve Carell. He is hilarious and the main character of my favorite show, The Office.
Finally, what’s one thing or accomplish about you that is unusual or unique about you that few know?
I have won a state science fair project competition for medicine and health two years in a row.
EXTRA INSIGHTS:
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite concert/show you’ve ever been to: Only been to one, Demi Lovato
Thing you’ll miss most about high school: My friends and high school teammates
Thing you’ll miss least about high school: The long school days and number of classes per day
Dream vacation? Tour of Europe plus New Zealand
Biggest pet peeve? When people have the ability or talent to do something, but do not try or give their best effort.
Favorite motto/phrase: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
Thing you wouldn’t be caught dead doing? Drugs, smoking, drinking, etc.
What’s the one song, book or movie title that best describes you? Southern Girl by Tim McGraw