Ashley Gonzalez, a senior at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, is a softball player at Palmview High School. She has been part of the team since her junior year, playing as a right fielder.
“I think the biggest challenge that I had to face was including myself in the team,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve come from a background where I’ve always felt non-included in groups, but when I realized that not everyone will judge you, I felt a lot more confident and open.”
Gonzalez said softball has taught her valuable life lessons, including resilience and personal growth. She believes that success isn’t always about winning but about learning from failures and coming back stronger.
“Although sometimes it can get overwhelming having to do many things and still have time for myself, I can still manage my schedule because it is something that I love to do,” Gonzalez said. “When you have something you are passionate about, it doesn’t matter how your day goes; by the end, you can enjoy playing your sport and feel free as if the world disappears.”
She credits her coach for providing support during difficult times, saying they have helped her find peace both on and off the field.
Gonzalez also encourages others to take a leap of faith and pursue their passion for softball, regardless of when they start.
“My strong advice for the girls who want to play softball is to go for it; it’s never too late to start,” she said. “If you set your mind to it, trust me, you will become what you want to be. Nothing is impossible, especially when you have God by your side.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Gonzalez admits she was initially hesitant to join the team.
“I started in my junior year, and I was so scared that people would say, ‘What is she doing here?’ I let my emotions get in the way of my dream, and it hurt in different ways,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Gonzalez has found her place on the team and in the sport she loves. As she approaches the end of her high school career, she remains committed to embracing new opportunities and inspiring others to do the same.
