Family Support Drives Ashner’s Triumphant Return to Softball
Just outside the fence in center field at the South Mountain Community College softball field sits the flag pole. Each game day starts with the American flag foisted, and each game day ends with its removals. Otherwise, the flag pole lives a mostly solitary existence. That is until Ali Ashner showed up.
A 5-7 corner outfielder, Ashner hit a home run against Benedictine-Mesa that smashed against the flag pole and sent aftershocks ringing throughout the squad. In a season unexpectedly halted by the Coronavirus, it is a memory she is unlikely to forget.
That she even played for the Cougars is itself quite an accomplishment. Having overcome multiple knee surgeries, Ashner's return to the diamond is a testament to her love for the game.
Growing up in Phoenix, Ashner and her father Robert became quick fans of the Arizona State Sun Devil softball program. That led to private lessons and a friendship with a Sun Devil graduate assistant, Brittney Matta.
With stars like Dallas Escobedo, Krista Donnenwirth and Annie Lockwood leading the way in 2011, ASU advanced to the Women's College World Series.
Robert and Ali joined them in Oklahoma City and watched the Sun Devils capture their second National Championship with a perfect 5-0 record at the event.
As a high school sophomore, Ashner committed to Southeastern Conference power Auburn University. She de-committed during her senior year, and an email to Coach Mike Candrea at the University of Arizona led to an official visit and commitment soon after that.
A lifelong ASU fan, Ashner had no problems committing to the Wildcats.
"When Coach Candrea gives you an opportunity, you don't need to think long about it for too long," Ashner said.
Tragedy struck in March of her senior year when she tore her ACL. Arizona honored her commitment, but she endured two additional surgeries while in Tucson. Through it all, Robert was right by her side.
"My dad had a huge impact on keeping me on track," Ashner said. "He never missed a physical therapy session and spurred me to go the extra mile to get back on the field. He helped me do my home exercises and provided positive feedback and confidence."
When the opportunity to get back on the field and play for her friend came about, Ashner could not pass it up.
"I came to South Mountain Community College because I did not know if I could play again," Ashner conceded. "It took about a week, but once I got going, I knew I could play."
She certainly enjoyed her return to the diamond in 2020. Ashner had a strong case for ACCAC Player of the Year honors.
She led the Cougars with a .589 batting average and had a team-high 43 hits, 25 runs, 13 doubles, five triples, 31 RBIs and 84 total bases. All those statistics ranked in the top 10 for all league players when the season ended.
She posted 13 multi-hit games during the season, including a 4 for 4 performance against NAIA foe Benedictine University on Mar. 4. She smashed a pair of home runs in a contest at Eastern Arizona and had a season-high four RBIs three times.
Getting a chance to play for her former coach was an even greater reward.
"I owe her a lot of credit for my development in softball and life," Ashner said. "She has always stressed to be patient, but that if I want something to go and get it."
Matta was proud to see her former pupil overcome the injuries and setbacks.
"I knew she would come back better than ever," said Matta. "That is just the type of kid she is: level-headed, smart, and able to separate things to perform at the highest level. She has truly been a joy to watch, and I am just so happy that our timing aligned even if just for a year."
Ashner also enjoyed the camaraderie she got from being on the diamond with her teammates.
"Playing for Cougars was a great experience, and I learned so many life lessons," she added. "This year was one of the best for me softball and growing-wise. I think people don't understand community college softball and the grind to it. I developed friendships that are genuine and will last a lifetime."
Ashner planned to play a season at SMCC and then move on to an NCAA Division I program. The Coronavirus has put a wrench in those plans, and she is waiting to see what develops. Both the NCAA and NJCAA have stated that spring student-athletes will not have the 2020 season count against their eligibility.
"Ali brought leadership and an 'experience level' to the team that none of them had seen before. Having the experience from Arizona for the redshirt year made her a better player and athlete all around," Matta added. "She used those high-level experiences to push others and became a better captain and teammate. She brought comfort to me as a coach because no matter what, even when she was not feeling her best or having an off day, I still knew she was there and giving her all. I expect Ali to be a top performer at the NCAA Division I level, and she can help any team she joins."
Either way, Ashner plans on playing in 2021. Her time with the Cougars, and the support of her father, have reignited that drive.