After softball practice Sunday afternoon, three teammates work to break down equipment that had been used earlier in the day.
One of those teammates is senior captain Allie Cashion, who is hard at work, looking to finish her career at Appalachian on a high note.
Cashion had a big softball season last year, playing in all 47 games and posting a .396 batting average, according to goasu.com.
In addition, Cashion led the team with two triples and 16 homeruns.
“Allie had a fantastic junior season,” said head coach Shae Wesley. “Every goal that she had set and we had set with her, for RBIs, homeruns, etc., she surpassed all of them.”
Along with helping to propel her team to victory on the field, there is another side to Cashion’s talents: her ability to excel in the classroom.
During her junior year, Cashion was able to maintain her grades while playing softball, and earned third team academic all-American honors, according to goasu.com.
“Obviously she is an outstanding performer on the field as well as an outstanding performer in the classroom,” Wesley said. “So that carries a lot of leadership.”
Working hard on and off the field is something that comes naturally to the right-handed outfielder.
Not only does she lead by example, but she also encourages her teammates to find the leadership potential each one possess.
“I’ve definitely grown into the position, [and] this being my second year as captain has helped me move into that leadership position,” Cashion said. “Be an example and help the other girls move into their leadership positions in the future.”
Heading into her senior year, there is some pressure to perform as well, if not better, than last season.
Cashion doesn’t dwell on her past achievements but looks to build off the foundations of success that last season brought.
“I have to start how I did last year and stay strong and work with the team,” Cashion said. “I know if I can do well then I’m helping my team as well.”
One of the best parts of the college experience for Cashion has been spent the last four years building a bond with the women she calls her teammates.
“Being part of a team here and meeting so many people, not only students that I’ve been in classes with, but having a close knit family on the softball team is more than anything I could have asked for in my college experience.”
Story: KAITLYN THRUSTON, Senior Sports Reporter
Photo Courtesy: APP STATE ATHLETICS