#Team26 Newcomer Q&A: Ashley Prange
2/7/2022 2:30:00 PM | Softball
Senior – Infield – New Palestine, Ind. – New Palestine High School/Ohio State
How did you get your start in softball?
"Softball was the first sport I tried. I was five and my parents asked me if I wanted to play. I didn't really know what it was, but I gave it a shot at my local youth league. That was my first experience and I fell in love with the game and have been playing ever since. I also played basketball and a little bit of soccer, but I wasn't as good at those. My mom played volleyball throughout high school and my brother plays football now."
When did softball become a more serious pursuit?
"Going through travel ball when it was time to decide between the gold circuit team for college exposure and recruiting vs. the more 'for fun' teams. I realized I was actually pretty good at this and then had to look at what I wanted my future to be in the sport. That was when I decided I really wanted to play in college. I joined a gold circuit team in about sixth or seventh grade and then got a letter and went on my first visit in seventh grade. That is when it really became a reality for me."
What were you looking for in your college search at that point?
"I wanted to go somewhere that valued family and felt like a family environment. Initially, I thought staying in driving range to home was important since my family means the world to me. But  a program that was also big, D1 and Power 5 was super important to me."
After you decided to enter the portal, what was your criteria when searching this time around?
"Looking back on my experience the first time, this was more life-based than performance. Softball was important but I wanted to be known and valued for who I was on and off the field. That has carried with me now. After talking with Murph, this is like the greatest second chance ever. I wanted to go somewhere that I could make the most of it and gain something that lasts longer than my final two years of eligibility."
What was it about Alabama that met your criteria?
"How they interacted with me from the start. They asked questions about my family and me as a person. Honestly, softball is the common denominator, but they took the time to ask me about my values as a person and what my intangibles are. They asked about the things that really hit my heart."
How has the transition to Alabama been so far getting to know a whole new group of people?
"It has been everything I have ever dreamed of and everything that I could ever want. Honestly, it almost felt a little too seamless. It was a big move, a big transition and a big change, but I had so much peace throughout the entire process. This program, the girls, the coaches, the city - it is everything I could have imagined. The support for softball here is awesome."
Did it help that there were so many other newcomers along with you?
It definitely helped. The newcomers made it much easier to manage. Ally [Shipman] and I talked about our experiences getting here and she's been my best friend through it all. She's helped me a ton, so I am super thankful for her and her heart. The newcomers, both transfers and freshmen, act like they have been here forever and have been super supportive as well."
What was it like putting on the Alabama uniform for the first time this fall?
"I had all of the good nerves. I still got butterflies even though I've been playing for 17 years. Playing softball at the D1 level is a dream but playing for Alabama and at Rhoads Stadium is a different level of dream. It's the mecca of college softball. I was definitely anxious, nervous and excited but more so joyful."
What are your goals for this season?
"I just want to be the best in any role I am given. I want to help the team in any way that I can and bring confidence, joy and passion to the game."
What is your advice to young girls who wants to play college softball or even a current college player who may be thinking about transferring?
"When things get hard, realize there are more good days than bad days. Sports are hard, so it is important to figure out your 'why' - why you play and who you do it for. Stick to that and use that as your anchor to keep you grounded. It's easy to get caught up in the bad days, so it's good to have something that reminds you why you're doing what you're doing and keep you grounded."
