Great Britain hits a Homerun with Monash University’s Ashleigh Carolan
The significance of the local park is often forgotten, a magical place where legends are born, limited only by their imagination.
For Ashleigh Carolan, Jells Park, in Melbourne’s South East, holds a special place in her heart.
“A friend from school invited me down to the local association at Jells Park," said Ashleigh.
After my first season learning all of the basic skills: batting, throwing and catching, combined with the strategy involved, made me realise that softball was the sport for me.”
After my first season learning all of the basic skills: batting, throwing and catching, combined with the strategy involved, made me realise that softball was the sport for me.”
Jells Park was merely the beginning of Ashleigh’s journey.
2015 saw all her hard work and dedication pay off as she was selected in the Great Britain softball team.
2015 saw all her hard work and dedication pay off as she was selected in the Great Britain softball team.
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| Ashleigh batting against Brazil in the Youth World Champs, in America. Picture: Ashleigh Carolan |
“Having grown up in England it was always my dream to one day play for my country, so when I was selected in the team I was overwhelmed with pride and joy.”
Ashleigh competed in the 2015 World Junior Softball Championships, an experience she described as no other.
“The experience of playing on the world stage is truly indescribable.”
The 2015 tournament laid down the foundation for Ashleigh to launch her Softball career.
Advance 2 years and Ashleigh has once again been selected in the Great Britain team competing at the XII Junior World Softball Championships, in Clearwater Florida 24th-31st July.
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| Ashleigh a the catch in the Youth World Champs. Picture: Ashleigh Carolan |
The 2017 Junior World Softball Championships presents Great Britain with an opportunity to
improve on their 2015 tournament.
“We are aiming to finish in the top 8 out of the 26 competing nations from all 5 Olympic regions.”
Whilst we are sure she’ll hit the winning Home run in the final, Ashleigh is not getting carried away.
“I am looking forward to playing my part for the team whether that is on or off the field.”
Ashleigh is also looking forward to representing Monash at the Australian University Games.
This is all part of Ashleigh’s grand plan.
Go get ‘em Ashleigh!
Her modesty will hold her in good stead as she looks to the future.
The talented softball player “hopes to attend the Junior Softball European Championships in 2018, and help Great Britain defend their title after winning the tournament last year.”
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| An action shot of Ashleigh batting at the Youth World Champs. Picture: Ashleigh Carolan |
Ashleigh is also looking forward to representing Monash at the Australian University Games.
Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, Ashleigh’s experience at the highest level will prove invaluable to a team chasing Gold.
This is all part of Ashleigh’s grand plan.
With Softball being added to the Japan 2020 Olympic program, Ashleigh has her eyes firmly set on helping Great Britain qualify for the Games, and “perhaps one day play at the Olympics.”
“The future really is limitless,” what started as a dream in the local park, could have endless possibilities, which is exciting for Ashleigh.
“The future really is limitless,” what started as a dream in the local park, could have endless possibilities, which is exciting for Ashleigh.
We at Monash University wish Ashleigh the best of luck with the Junior World Softball Championships, and all that the future holds for the talented Softball player.
Go get ‘em Ashleigh!
#bleedblue
Written by: James Oana
Media Coordinator
