From Rocky Top to Roane State: Ashley Rogers’ Next Step

Ashley Rogers, all-star alumna of The University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, has been hired on a one-year contract to serve as the Pitching Coach of Roane State, a community college located in the pitcher’s hometown of Harriman, Tennessee.

She joins Marty McDaniel, who was her pitching coach during her time at Tennessee, who recently came on as Head Coach of the Raiders. Having two instructors with many years of experience competing at the highest level at the helm, Roane State is bound to have a transformational year on the mound.

Ashley Rogers has been a standout figure in the softball world, known for her exceptional skills as a pitcher, her resilience amidst recurring injuries, and her notoriety for simply being an amazing all-around person.

During her final season at the University of Tennessee, she pitched an impressive 13 complete games with six shutouts, culminating in her being named the 2023 NFCA Pitcher of the Year, becoming the first Lady Vol to receive this prestigious award and the second player from the SEC to ever be honored. Her dedication to both academics and athletics is further exemplified by her recognition as the 2023 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Off the field, Rogers’ commitment to education shines through her academic achievements. Graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in December 2021, she embodies the balance between sports and scholarship.

This is why the announcement of her new position turned some heads on Facebook, as her academic prowess is well-known in the softball community, and she has been public about her plan to attend medical school following graduate studies.

When asked about this, Ashley shared:

“That’s actually why I said yes to this position. It’s one-year, which will allow me to stay in the game while I apply to medical schools. Since I’m planning to play another professional season for the SIS Vipers next summer, continuing to be around the sport is something that is very important to me.”

So, while this position is only intermittent, Ashley is excited to use the opportunity to grow a competitive softball program in an area that is near and dear to her heart.

“I mean, this is my hometown. I played against Harriman and Kingston while I was in high school,” said Ashley, reflecting on the sentimental aspect of this new role. “This community was integral in me becoming the athlete I am today, and I really want to use my knowledge of the game to give back to the game and to the community in the way that they gave to me.”

Coach McDaniel says he’s quite excited about the future of his new hire.

“She’s a great kid, a great player, and she really knows her stuff. I knew she was going to medical school but was taking a year off and I needed an assistant, so the timing really worked out,” he said. “Plus, she will finally be getting to call pitches and make sure the players are hitting their spots, which I’m sure will be cathartic for her.”

Ashley hopes to make an impact on the team at Roane State this year, both on the field and off, and knows that her perspective as a recent college player will really allow her to flourish in this regard.

“I want to help these girls. Softball is an amazing game it has brought me so much in my life so many—countless relationships and friends, as well as my own confidence and growth as a person and as a woman. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for the trust that Marty is placing in me to lead this team with him.”

Ashley will be taking the MCAT next week, and then will be diving in to her new duties as a pitching coach.

— Regan Weekly/Extra Inning Softball

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