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Drake honored by District 6

Sentinel photo by MATT STRICKER
Mount Union 2013 alumna Ashlyn Drake was inducted into the District 6 Softball Hall of Fame, Thursday, at Penn State’s Beard Field in University Park.

UNIVERSITY PARK — A feeling of joy overcame Ashlynn Drake when informed she was going to be inducted into the District 6 Hall of Fame.

Drake was inducted during mid-game ceremonies of the PSBCA all-star game between District 6 and District 4 at Penn State University’s Beard Field, Thursday night.

Familiarity has played a role for the Mount Union alumna, returning to her old stomping grounds upon graduating from Shenandoah University.

“I definitely knew I wanted to go back to softball,” Drake said. “I wasn’t sure where post-grad life was going to take me, but it brought me right back here, and it’s a blessing. It’s cool to see the players develop over the years into the players they’ve become.”

Serving as an assistant coach for the Trojans, Drake already had an understanding of what was expected for the program having played under current head coach Matt Fiscus.

Together, they helped guide the best season Mount Union softball has seen in program history, amassing a team-record 23 wins and making it to the PIAA Class 2A semi-finals.

“Ashlynn was a great infielder and leader,” Fiscus said. “She developed into a great coach. Whatever she does, she works hard at it.”

Though Drake takes great pride in seeing what the product has become, she too has some fond memories of her own playing days.

One moment that jumped out to her came from her junior year of high school.

“Playing Penns Valley — a rival of ours when we got to districts — I hit a two-run home run to help win the game, 5-2, and advance to the district (6) semi-finals.”

The game is and will probably forever play a great role in helping shape Drake, but she understands that when it comes to coaching, it’s not just about teaching the game.

“For me, it’s not strictly about softball,” she said. “I strive every day to be a leader and role model to these girls. I want to show them what it takes to get to the next level, not only in softball but in life as well.”

She is honored to have a share of the spotlight with three seniors — Sarah Gearhart, Diana Roher and Taylor Fortney — that played a vital role in one of her biggest thrills so far in life.

“It’s really amazing to share the field with the girls,” Drake said. “It’s something you can’t put into words. It’s been an amazing year for both the girls and myself. To share this moment with three seniors, three leaders who have been the face of the program the last few years, it’s a blessing.”

Drake didn’t have the opportunity to showcase her talents at the all-star game because Mount Union didn’t have a member coach of the Pennsylvania Softball Coaches Association at the time, but was fast to point out that’s one of the many ways the program has developed since her playing days.

She hopes to continue learning more about herself and the game and for one day coach a team of her own, but for now, it’s time for her to soak in the moment she’s worked years for.

“This is definitely an amazing game,” Drake said. “Softball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. To be recognized by coaches, players and peers, this is something I’ll cherish forever.”

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