Lakeland, Fla. – Keystone Heights (Keystone Heights, Fla.) catcher, Ashley Maynard, signed a National Letter of Intent on Thursday to continue her academic and athletic careers at Southeastern University starting in the fall of 2013.
Maynard, who started every game last year behind the plate, helped lead her team to a district championship, regional championship and all the way to the final four where they lost 1-0. She was named second team All-County while hitting .368 on the season.
"It was so great this past fall to have Ashley verbal to Southeastern and now it's a special day in our program as we get to sign her," said Head Coach Anna Welsh. "Ashley is a player that will fit in instantly with our team in every aspect. She really impressed me with not only her hitting and catching, but her work ethic and her love of the game, which are second to none."
Maynard will be a big contributor this season for Keystone Heights Head Coach Belinda Smith, as she had this to add about Ashley, "Ashley has been one of my players since 7th grade. I have seen her grow tremendously over the six years I have coached her. I cannot say enough about her diligence, work ethic and drive for the sport she loves. She has put in uncountable hours working to be the best softball player she can be. Ashley is the player who is always asking for my keys in the off season so she can go up to the field to work. I am so proud and excited to see her take the next step in her life. Southeastern is a great fit for her and I know that she will be an asset to the school and softball program as she was and still is to ours at Keystone."
Ashley is also a member of the Florida Select travel softball team where she catches, plays third base and outfield. Her coach, Traci Conrad-Fischer, had this to add, "Ashley has an extremely strong work ethic and a true commitment to excellence. She will be missed on our Select Team, but she will be a true asset to the Southeastern organization."
Ashley serves as her class secretary as well as a member of the student council. She is a member of Community Church and is very involved in the youth group and hopes to travel with them to Haiti this summer. She is the daughter of Keith and Spring Maynard of Keystone Heights, Florida and has one older sister, Kaylee. She will graduate with high honors and plans on majoring in pre-med.
When asked about her decision she said, "When I stepped on campus at Southeastern University, I knew it was where I was called to be. Everything was perfect! Everyone was very welcoming, everything about the school excites me, but the evident overwhelming love for Christ the school has makes me light up inside. Besides playing softball at the collegiate level, my love for Christ and my relationship with Him will flourish throughout my time at SEU. Meeting Coach Welsh was the deciding factor for me. Not only is she loving and kind, but her love for Jesus and the fire she has for Him is something I am looking forward to and something I admire her for. I know I will grow as an athlete and a Christian at Southeastern."
