Published: May 13, 2008 09:19 am            

Johnston to lead TVCC softball program

Ashley Johnston has a pretty big challenge ahead of her. She’s looking forward to it.

“I set high goals and I don’t stop until I achieve them,” said Johnston.

Johnston has been chosen as the head coach for the new Trinity Valley Community College Lady Cardinals softball team. Johnston is coming to Athens from York College in York, Neb.

“It is obvious that Johnston has a great knowledge and passion for this sport and a commitment to doing things the right way,” said TVCC President Glendon Forgey. “Her outlook on success goes beyond the field and carries into the classroom and community.”

Johnston says she’s excited about building TVCC’s first conference softball team from the ground up. The college board of trustees approved adding the new program this spring, and the Lady Cardinals are set to begin game play during the 2008-2009 school year.

“Coming into a new program you’re going to naturally be the underdog. I don’t mind that. I want it to be a good year,” said Johnston. “I want to bring in some good talent and set the pace right away for the next few years.”

Johnston may be moving to Athens from Nebraska, but it’s not her first time in the south and not her first time in the Region XIV Conference either.

“She has valuable connections to this region and her past experience in the state of Texas will help elevate this program to the championship level,” said Forgey.

Johnston was born and raised in West Monroe, La., where she was part of a state champion team at West Monroe High School. She went on to play college ball for Bossier Parish Community College and then on to Louisiana Tech University.

She completed her bachelor’s degree in physical education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

She quickly entered the coaching field, taking on a position at Paris Junior College. While working as an assistant coach at PJC, she completed her master’s degree classes at Texas A&M Commerce.

“She completed her master’s degree in one year, which is part of what impressed us when we interviewed her,” said Forgey. “She’s a real high achiever and we’re excited to have her.”

Following her year at PJC, Johnston went on to coach at College of the Desert in Palm Desert, Calif., for one year before moving to Nebraska to take on her first head coach’s position.

During that season, Johnston led the York College Lady Panthers to second place in the Midland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

She is glad to be back in warmer climates, said Johnston, and glad to be closer to her home state.

“It’s not exactly softball weather in Nebraska,” said Johnston.

        

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