Former PJC softball standout still earning notice
Published or Revised November 30, 2012
Former Paris Junior College softball standout Ashley Endsley, shown here batting in a game from March 2011, is continuing to accrue academic and athletic honors as she continues her second year starting at third base for the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots.
Paris native Ashley Endsley, a former Paris Junior College Dragons softball player, continues to earn notice and awards. The North Lamar high school graduate is now a junior in interdisciplinary studies at the University of Texas at Tyler.
Endsley was one of 74 UT-Tyler students in athletics, athletic training and sports information to receive American Southwest Conference (ASC) All-Academic honors for the 2011-12 winter and spring seasons. To earn that recognition, she was a junior during the competition season, in attendance, completed at least one academic year at UT-Tyler and had a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the academic semester in which her sport championship was held.
Endsley also was named to the NFCA All-Region Second Team, All-ASC Newcomer of the Year and to the All-ASC First Team. She led the ASC in homeruns, with 10, and batted .406 with 50 RBIs.
"It was pretty neat to get those awards, especially in my first year at UT-Tyler," said Endsley, who is again part of the starting lineup at third base. "I put a lot of time and effort in and hard work does pay off. We got a ring for being conference champions last year, and came in second at the regional championship. I think we've got a good chance with eight seniors returning, six of them starters. I do miss all the friends I made at PJC."
She helped her team reach a ranking of sixth nationally by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, as well as being National Collegiate Association of America Regional Runners-Up, ASC Champions and ASC East Division Champions.
"We are proud of Ashley," said her mother, Renee. "We go to all the games and have a lot of fun."
While at PJC, Endsley made the 2011 and 2010 NJCAA Region XIV All-Conference Second Team and the Spring 2011 President's List for having a 4.0 GPA on a minimum of 12 hours. She was also selected for the Fall 2010 Texas-New Mexico Junior College Softball Coaches Association All-Star Game.
"I am so proud of Ashley Endsley and her continued accomplishments," said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. "It is great to see a local young lady who had much success at PJC receiving accolades as she continues her education as a student/athlete. Ashley is a 'good kid' who works hard and deserves recognition."
At North Lamar, under softball coach Kathy Baker, Endsley was 2008-09 First Team All District, 2007 Second Team All District, and 2006 Freshman of the Year in District 12-4A.
