ORANGE DUST scatters as the opposing softball player slides toward home base, a moment too late. Florida State University (FSU) pitcher Ashtyn Danley has already fired the ball into the catcher’s glove for the out. Danley focuses on the ball, quickly preparing for the next batter.
“If I am going to do something, I am going to work to be the best at it,” Danley said.
This determination formed in her as a child. Her mom, Brandi Danley, is a teacher, and her dad, coach Michael Danley, is a softball coach in Franklin County. Ashtyn Danley often tagged along with her dad as he coached for XPlosion teams. Ashtyn admired the older players, especially when they would toss the ball to her during practices. From a young age, she observed that the best players have self-discipline, a strong work ethic, and a passion for the game.
Ashtyn studied her older sister, Mattie, at Mattie’s pitching practices, inspiring Ashtyn to become a pitcher herself. When Ashtyn was old enough to play for her father’s team, she joined XPlosion. But the leap from playing on her dad’s team to trying out for a new team was a pivotal moment.
“I was so scared,” Ashtyn said. “But that team gave me some of my best friends, that I still have today, and connected me with many opportunities as I got older and began playing for Mojo.” Mojo is a local, fast-pitch travel team.
During her freshman year of high school, Ashtyn faced a painful setback. While playing basketball, she sustained tears to her ACL, MCL, and meniscus.
“After coming back from that, it was mentally challenging to get back to where I was,” Ashtyn said. “It took a lot of support from others and a belief in myself to get back to playing my best. But I knew that God had a plan for me; I would never have learned how hard I could push myself and how much potential I had until then.”
Ashtyn did not let that potential go to waste. She and her team took second place at the state championship level, and she was named 2021-22 Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee for softball.
Ashtyn graduated as valedictorian. Culminating her impressive high school career, she was invited to play for the Florida State Seminoles — her dream since she was 12.
Now, as a college-level pitcher, Ashtyn continues to break records. She finished her sophomore year at FSU with an 18-6 record and 101 strikeouts. However, Ashtyn’s sports achievements, however monumental, are just one facet of her purpose and identity. She also wants to be an example to the next generation of players and to her younger sister, Taylor Danley.
“My goal is to leave a better person than when I stepped foot on campus. I hope to leave a legacy for how I played the game and for the person I am, regardless of my softball performance,” Ashtyn said. She is pursuing a business degree at FSU. “I hope that I leave my uniform and this special program better than it was when I got here.” GN
