Around the Bases with AB

Did your family’s athletic success inspire you, put pressure on you, or just feel normal?

Honestly, it just felt normal. Growing up, I didn’t really understand that my parents were as good as other people said they were. People would be so impressed and say, “Your parents are…” but to me, they were just Mom and Dad. It’s funny because little boys would ask me questions about my dad playing football in the NFL, and I didn’t even know what position he played. That shows how humble my parents are. They never made their accomplishments a big deal, and they are the best examples of humility for me.

Do you realize how much thought your family put into your development?

I actually think about that a lot. Growing up, I didn’t notice those little decisions. It wasn’t until they chose shortstop for me that I realized they were intentionally shaping me into the type of player they believed I could become. When you look at their athletic careers, they obviously know a lot more than I do and sometimes see things I can’t see yet. So when it comes to decisions like that, I usually just say, “Yes, sir” or “Yes, ma’am,” trust them, and understand that there is a reason behind it—even if I don’t understand it in the moment.

When did you realize you could compete with older players?

It was when I jumped from 10U to 14U. I remember looking around and thinking, “Wow, this is different.” It was a little easier because my mom was the coach, but honestly, it wasn’t my favorite experience at first. I didn’t always feel like I fit in or could relate to the older girls. But I 100% believe it made me a better player. I was so young that the discomfort didn’t really matter in the long run. Playing against older and more developed girls taught me so much and forced me to grow quickly.

Which position taught you the most about the game?

I would say pitching. I stopped pitching when I was around 14, but I continued catching my mom’s pitching lessons. Just listening to the terminology, watching how pitchers move their bodies, and understanding how they try to manipulate the ball and its spin has helped me so much as a hitter. It taught me how to pick up on little things at the plate and use them to give myself any advantage I can get.

When did you realize you were one of the players opponents had to worry about?

Honestly, I never really thought about it like that. This past USA trip was probably the most fun I’ve ever had with Team USA. I was with a lot of returning players, and the system felt familiar from my experience with the U15 team. Even though I was comfortable with the setting and the people around me, I never allowed myself to become too comfortable or relaxed on the field. My dad pushes me to prepare hard so that when I get into the game, everything feels slower. I wasn’t thinking about whether other teams were worried about me. I was just trying to stay prepared and play my game.

What is hardest to explain about representing your country?

It’s hard to explain because it feels like the highest level you can reach other than the Olympics, which has always been my ultimate goal. You’re playing high-level softball alongside a group of girls who are just as talented and driven as you are. It truly feels like “iron sharpens iron.” Everyone pushes you to become better, but at the same time, you’re all coming together for something bigger than yourselves. Wearing “USA” across your chest gives you a different sense of pride and responsibility because you aren’t just representing your team or your family—you’re representing your entire country.

Why is Sis Bates your favorite player?

She is just such a gritty player. I met her when I was really young, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. There’s something special to me about the great players who came before this current generation—people who helped shape the game into what it is now. I think that also connects back to my mom. I grew up learning from someone who played in an earlier era, so I’ve always had a lot of respect for those players and the way they competed.

Are you singing “Baby” with confidence?

Oh, I’m singing it confidently! I know every single word to that song, so there will be no blaming USA Softball for putting that information out there.

What will mean the most from your high school career?

The girls I played with will mean the most, especially Peyton Hendrix. That’s my dawg—I love her so much. We became extremely close after moving to Gray, and we have a different type of connection. When we’re playing together, I don’t always have to look or say something to know where she is or what she’s thinking. I can just feel her presence out there. Our chemistry is different, and having that kind of connection with someone makes playing the game so much more fun.

What did you realize you needed from a coach?

Something I love about USC is that I have two coaches who are both very involved but are wired a little differently. Growing up, I had my dad, who would push me hard, and my mom, who would be there to pat me on the back at the end of the day. During recruiting, I got those same kinds of feelings from Coach Ash and Coach Katie. I know they both want the best for me and are going to mold me into the best version of myself, but they do it in two different ways. I realized that balance was something I really valued in my coaches.

When did you know you wanted to create your own path?

I think I started creating my own path when I changed my number from 99 to 2, stopped pitching, and became a shortstop. The school I chose never really played a role in whether I felt like I was following my parents’ path. Yes, going to Florida State could have been viewed as following in their footsteps, but I wasn’t going to let that push me toward or away from the school. My parents did a great job of removing their own bias when giving me advice. Ultimately, I chose South Carolina because it was the right place for me.

What advice would you give recruits?

Every journey is different, and comparison really is the thief of joy. Let God work through your own path instead of worrying about what is happening for another girl. God has a plan specifically for you, and it isn’t supposed to look exactly like anyone else’s. Trust His timing and focus on making the decision that is right for you.

When did the Olympics become a goal you structured your life around?

I think it happened around the time I was being recruited. My dad and I took a step back and laid out some goals for me, and the biggest one was making the 2028 Olympic team. Even saying that out loud can make me think, “Come on, Aspen, is that even possible?” But then I think, “Why not? Why not me, God?” It’s like the rabbit I’m constantly chasing.

Why sell yourself short? There’s no point in only pushing for something you already know you can reach. Is that really pushing yourself? It’s the goals that seem almost impossible that make you work the hardest. Because what if I did make it? Would all the work be worth it? Absolutely.

Do you picture yourself at the Olympics?

I think visualization is extremely important. You have to be able to see the success before it happens. I try to picture myself there—the uniform, the field, and what that moment would feel like. Even when I’m practicing, I’ll ask myself, “What would this look like if I were at the Olympics right now?” Visualizing it makes the goal feel real and reminds me that the way I prepare today is connected to where I want to be in the future.

What excites you about proving yourself again at South Carolina?

It’s a completely new system and a new team, and I’m excited to be part of a group that is truly a team. In travel ball, you sometimes have pickup players. In high school, you may have girls who don’t always want to be there. Even with Team USA, you’re joining a group of talented girls you may not know very well yet. At South Carolina, we get to spend every day together, grow together, and build real relationships. I’m excited to have fun with this team, work toward something together, and prove myself within that environment.

What do you hope we’re talking about years from now?

I hope we’re talking about how we brought a Women’s College World Series championship back to South Carolina. That’s the goal.