There’s no doubt that 2018 was an amazing year for Ashtyn Danley, the standout 2023 pitcher/hitter who plays for the Tennessee Mojo 2023 team coached by her father, Michael.
Ashtyn was the driving force that helped lead the team to a PGF 12U National Championship last year and was so impressive Extra Inning Softball selected her as the MVP of the 12U age division.
It wasn’t her first national title either as she won at 10U and 11U and was thrilled to see her future college team, the Florida State Seminoles, win the NCAA Div. I crown last year as well.
We caught up with the 2023 player who’s a lock to make the Extra Elite 100 rankings that will begin next Monday… here’s a closer look at this great athlete who’s not just about herself but about “the people to the left and right of you on your team.”
*****
NAME: ASHTYN DANLEY
Hometown/State: Winchester, Tennessee
Grad Year: 2023
Position(s): P/OF
Club Team: Tennessee Mojo 2023
Current School/Future High School (City/State): North Middle School (Decherd, Tennessee) / Huntland High School (Huntland, Tennessee)
GPA: 4.0
Future College: Florida State
Height: 5-foot-6
Top Honors/Accomplishments: 10U PGF Premier National Champion, 11U USA Elite Select National Champion (Defensive MVP), 12U PGF Premier National Champion, 12U PGF Nationals MVP (as selected Extra Inning Softball), USA Elite Select 30 1st Team All American
School Stats: North Middle School (2018): batted .708 with four home runs, 1.345 slugging percentage; pitched 40 innings with 64 K’s, 11 walks, 0.98 ERA
Club Stats: Tennessee Mojo (2018): batted .520 with 11 home runs, .890 slugging percentage; pitched 132 innings with 158 K’s, 52 walks, 0.78 ERA
Other Sports: Basketball and track
Preferred College Major: I would love to coach in college or do something in the medical field.
Coach’s Comments: “Coaching Ashtyn has been a blessing being able to watch her work, all the time she has put in and seeing the rewards starting to come in. She is very humble in what she does and with her accomplishments and she loves to compete in whatever she does. Ashtyn’s strengths include her becoming an all-around player—from pitching to hitting and defense. She understands so much of the mental part of the game, too, and I believe that has been such a great foundation to her success.” – Michael Danley, Tennessee Mojo 2023
*****
There’s always an interesting dynamic in playing for your dad… it can be a double-edge sword! You create memories, good and bad, and can have some colorful conversations in the car after a game! What has been like pitching for your father?
It is really great, not only because he is my dad but because he knows how I pitch because I pitch to him almost every day. Also, because we have gained a bond I will cherish forever.
You had a great run last summer in winning the PGF 12U National championship… what are your strongest memories from that week?
First off, just being with the most amazing teammates and people doing what I love. Coach Martin (Roman) would get us in a huddle and we screamed “OOF” from some show Mack Huddleston watches and danced along to it. Also, having eam dinners and taking pictures by the beach and most importantly accomplishing our goal to win PGF Nationals.
You obviously have an interest in how Florida State did last year in winning the National Championship and how they’re doing this year… what is it like to be committed to the Seminoles?
Being committed to FSU is awesome and when I first saw the campus and met the coaches it felt like home to me. Everyone that is involved with FSU softball has been amazing and go way beyond softball and I think that is great.
Have you gotten to know any of the FSU players? If so, which ones?
Yes, when I went for my unofficial visit I got to talk to Carsyn Gordon and Cali Harrod. I also talked to Jessee Warren at a recent camp and also spoke with Kara Bilodeau for a while at camp.
Tell us about your recruiting process… when and where did Florida State first see you?