Ashley Johnston chases White Sox re-selection

NICHOLAS BOYACK

Ashley Johnston wants to follow in the footsteps of softball greats Kiri Shaw, Naomi Shaw and Cindy Potae.

All three had long, successful sporting careers while juggling responsibilities as mothers, and 21-year-old Ashley, who had a baby in September, says they are great role models.

"They are big names to live up to. They are all well known all over the country, in softball, so I would love to be like them because they are amazing players."

Ashley first appeared for the White Sox as a 16-year-old and is aiming for inclusion in the team that will be named in March to contest the World Series in Canada.

"I just love the sport so much, I do not want to give it up, and I am only 21."

Ashley has not lacked motivation in her battle to win selection.

"When I had Cassidy and felt like getting back to softball I had this image in my head of being at the World Series, in my uniform, with my daughter. That has been my biggest motivation - getting a picture of me and my daughter."

Ashley has worked hard to get fit. Initially she began by pushing a pram around Stokes Valley. Once Cassidy was a little older she ran with the pram, as well as training with her dad to build up her speed.

Birth can be tough on the body and there were a few inevitable problems when she returned to the diamond.

"I was told by all the ones who have children to look forward to my first sprint from home to first base. I did not understand why but when I did sprint, my knees were up to my chest."

Breastfeeding also made life difficult. "I like to dive (at the base), and diving and breastfeeding do not go well together."

She has also lost her fear of pain when playing softball and says nothing on the diamond can compare with giving birth.

Physically and mentally she believes that childbirth will make her a better player.

White Sox coach Naomi Shaw says Ashley has been an established White Sox player but will now have to prove herself at provincial and club level.

"It is a real credit that four months after having a baby she has put in a lot of work and is up to speed. I see her as being in the frame and a good prospect for selection in March."

Hutt Valley has a proud tradition of mothers having children and returning to softball. Shaw says players like Ashley who make it back inevitably have plenty of family support.

There is often an unexpected plus, Shaw says. "The thing I find about mothers playing elite level sport is that they are incredibly well organised because they have to be."

- Hutt News