Q & A Session: Ashley Daugherty

Q: What made you choose Texas A&M?
AD: "When I flew out here for my first visit, I got this feeling that was unexplainable. It was everything I was looking for, but had no way to put it into words. Once I was here, I knew I could call this place home for four years. The atmosphere and culture is unlike any other university and I fell in love instantly."
 
Q: What was the recruitment process like?
AD: "It was easy with Coach Evans. She made the whole process smooth. One of my favorite parts was that no one tried to persuade me on anything. It was more of showing me what Texas A&M was about and if it was right for me, then it would be."
 
Q: Who has been your biggest influence?
AD: "Throughout my career, I have had so many mentors and coaches that have helped me along the way, but the ones who stand out to me are my family. My parents and my grandma, Bev have been by my side supporting me in every way they can since day one. It all started when my grandma paid for a softball field to be built in our small hometown just so I could continue to do what I love."
 
Q: What do you enjoy most about playing softball?
AD: "I love the atmosphere that my teammates can bring. Knowing every single person out on the field has my back, is a feeling that is unexplainable. When I'm pitching I love controlling the game. I think softball has so much to do with teamwork. The team aspect of the game is my favorite part."
 
Q: What made you start pitching?
AD: "When I was seven, I was playing on a REC 8U team and I was in the outfield just sitting there picking grass. I told my mom 'I'm not getting any attention out there. No one's looking at me,' so I said to her 'I want to pitch' and she was all for it. I never in my wildest dreams thought it would be anything serious, but the more and more I pitched, the more I fell in love with it."
 
Q: Is there any significance with your jersey being 11?
AD: "When I was a kid and first started playing I figured #1 had to be the best. So of course, why not be double the best number and be 11. I have always been that number since I first started playing at the age of four. Being able to even wear my number here is a cool thing."
 
Q: What are you looking forward to this season?
AD: "I'm excited to get to play on Davis Diamond and get out there with my teammates who all are wanting the same thing. We all have the same goal in mind and are driven to reach it. Overall, I am excited to finally get to compete at this level. For me, softball is fun when it's challenging and when I am outside of my comfort zone. Being here and playing at this stage will give me the opportunity to do that."
 
Q: What are some of your personal and team goals this season?
AD: "Personally, I would like to develop absolute confidence as a pitcher – forget about doubting myself or what day it is or even what shows up that game - just be confident and be a leader in the ways I can be. I know I am a freshman, but I think every person no matter who they are has the opportunity to lead in some way. I will do everything I can to do just that.  A team goal not only for me, but for everyone would be going deep into postseason this year."
 
Q: Has anyone on the team been a mentor to you?
AD: "Kelbi [Fortenberry], Payton [McBride] and Kendall [Potts] are the ones I've been looking up to. I have felt so welcomed coming into this year and feel as though they have taken me under their wings. Kendall and Payton especially though, since they are pitchers. It's been so nice being in the bullpen and feeling comfortable, not feeling as though I have to impress anybody. Those two have made it feel natural and normal when we are throwing out there."
 
Q: What has been your favorite things since coming to College Station?
AD: "The people of College Station are unlike anyone I've ever met before. Everywhere you look, you see a friendly face and a helping hand. Ever since I stepped on campus in the fall, I had this feeling while being surrounded by Aggies of 'This is exactly where I'm supposed to be.'"
 
Q: How do you envision playing in the SEC?
AD: "I envision standing on the mound and there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of people behind me. I would have to focus on one thing, the glove. I can't let myself get caught up in the moment and I think that it is going to be exciting. I might be a little anxious to play, but I know with the teammates we have on this year's roster, they are going to make it as easy as they can for me – to transition into the stage like this one."
 
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
AD: "I'm not sure I have any one specific pregame ritual or superstition that comes to mind, but I do have something that stays when I'm throwing in the game. Whenever things get tough, or things may not be going quite my way, I tend to turn around and look at the backdrop behind me. Wherever I am, I'll always appreciate the scenery, and just take my mind off the game for a split second. It reminds me that there is so much more to life than this game, and how blessed I feel to be in that very moment. It helps me refocus, to then turn around and get back to work."
 
Q: What is your favorite Aggie tradition?
AD: "I would have to say my favorite tradition is Muster. I went to Fish Camp this summer and learned all about the Aggie traditions. Learning about Muster and how neat it is and the saying 'It Starts with Howdy and Ends with Here' gave me chills and it reminds me that you are an Aggie for life. You can't just graduate and forget about A&M. You remember this place for life."
 
Q: What has it been like growing up having your mom played college softball?
AD: "She was my first coach actually, her and my dad, but she has always been my biggest supporter. She knows the game like none other. She is smart about it and is 100% softball savvy. We'd go out to the field and she would either be hitting me grounders, pitching to me or even trying to catch me. It didn't matter. She has been my constant reminder of why I love to play and I trust her since she has been there and played the game herself. It's different when an outsider is looking in, but she's had the opportunity to be in the shoes of where I am right now."
 
Q: I saw on the questionnaire that you filled out that you would most like to meet Chris Hemsworth, why's that? 
AD: "My 88-year old grandma is my best friend and is in love with Chris Hemsworth. In her defense, who isn't? Any Avengers movie that Chris would star in, we would go see them together and she would leave talking about him. I then got a dog and named him Thor in honor of my grandma being absolutely in love with Chris. I've even had the idea of reaching out to him in an email to tell him about her just to see if something could happen. I know that would be crazy, but you never know."