As the softball season kicks off, I had the pleasure of interviewing Santaluces High School Senior Ashlee Reache. An active member of the Santaluces Community, Ashlee is not only a stellar cheerleader but also a vital member of the softball team. With versatility and finesse, Ashlee has played a range of softball positions, including outfielder and pitcher (to name a few).
This year will be her third year of cheerleading and second year of playing varsity softball, and Ashlee has already secured a role as the Lady Chief’s varsity softball captain. Ashlee shared her leadership vision for the softball team, emphasizing keeping team morale high and remaining supportive. She expressed, “The most important thing for me would be making sure everyone on our team is never discouraged. If you drop the ball, try again, and if you strike out, you’ll get it next time.” As someone who has personally played alongside Ashlee, I can proudly say that she’s already achieving these goals. She always brings a fresh air of positivity, support, and humor to the team!
A lot of difficulty and stress comes with being a student-athlete, and Ashlee candidly shared with me her own experiences. She said that the most challenging thing is “being unable to overcome mental blocks and dissatisfaction with her performance.” Despite this, Ashlee always puts her best foot forward and preserves. She thanked her team, peers, and parents for their support and also mentioned that “a solid schedule” helped her manage her grades and athletics.
Ashlee loves participating in sports, expressing “the drive that it gives me, along with the push and motivation to conquer anything” as her favorite aspect. Reache has set a personal goal “for this upcoming season to be the best player [she] can be every time I step on the field.” As Ashlee prepares to graduate this year, she plans to continue her education and attend Palm Beach State College. Her dream job is in the medical field with a position as a cardiologist. With her determination and continuous effort, we’re sure that Ashlee will reach her dreams and beyond.
As we eagerly anticipate the softball season, we hope you’ll mark your calendars and join us in cheering on Ashlee and our Lady Chiefs at their first home game on February 26 at Santaluces High School!
