Behind the story of all great athletes there is a moment when they discover exactly what they want to do, what they want to work towards for as long as they possibly can. As an eight-year-old girl watching the Women’s College World Series, Ashley Legler had her moment. She knew that she wanted to be one of those athletes.

   A pitcher for the UC High Girls Softball Team, Senior Ashley Legler has committed to play Division-1 softball at San Jose State University. “I fell in love with the atmosphere and school the second I stepped on campus,” she shared excitedly, “My first time at San Jose State was for a softball camp and I immediately knew that it was a perfect fit: the team, the experience, everything.”

   The road to achieving her dream was not always smooth. There were doubts as to the level of the competition she could reach. “I was never led to believe that playing Division-1 softball was an option for me. Coaches and others repeatedly told me that I would maybe have a shot at Division-3 but not much more than that,” Legler explained. However, the critiques didn’t keep her from aiming high.

   Given such doubts, Legler was able to overcome the doubts and accomplish what she wanted to. “I worked really hard. You can’t expect to get what you want without working hard for it.” Helping her along every step of the way was her father. “My dad is my biggest inspiration. He is my biggest fan and biggest critic. He has taken me to every single practice, tournament, and game. He pushed me beyond my limits and helped me become the athlete and person I am today.”

   Her work ambition has not gone unnoticed by those close to her. Legler’s teammate and close friend Senior Karina Roddey has watched her work towards her goal, “Ashley is one of if not the most motivated and hardworking people that I know. She knew her goal and was not going to be stopped on her way to achieving it.” Roddey continued, “Apart from having such a great work ethic Ashely is extremely talented and puts her skills to good use. I am so proud of what she has accomplished and am happy to call her my friend.”

   On the path to Division-1 softball, Legler had no shortage of incredible moments. Her favorite was a 21 inning game at a national tournament for her club in which she allowed zero runs, had 25 strikeouts, and only gave up four walks. According to a high school sports statistics website, in the shortened 2020 season Legler got off to a hot start with a record of 3-0 with 37 strikeouts and four walks, showing great promise in her junior year (maxpreps.com).

   No matter where her career ends up taking her after San Jose State University, you can expect big things from Legler. Despite the adversities she faced, she has been able to achieve her wildest dreams, and will continue to see success as she takes this next step in her career.