The tension is intense as Ashley Stewart, the pitcher of our school’s baseball team, steps up to the mound and winds up for the pitch. With every movement, it’s clear that Ashley’s love for the game and her drive for excellence fuel her every move.
Ashley’s passion for baseball began as a child when she would watch her older brothers play. She quickly fell in love with the sport and became a skilled pitcher on our school’s baseball team. Ashley describes the thrill of striking out opponents as one of her favorite moments on the field. Over the summer, Ashley played in a baseball tournament in Arizona, where she pitched for eight innings, struck out 16 players, and never gave up an unearned run. Although she is the only girl on the team, she says she’s been playing with her teammates since a young age, so it isn’t a significant change. Ashley has found that playing baseball has given her a sense of community and allowed her to build long-lasting relationships with her teammates. “It builds a sense of community,” she says.
Aside from baseball, Ashley has played a variety of sports at San Mateo, Ashley is also a talented musician and leader. She has played in our school’s marching and jazz bands and performed at events like the Italian Heritage Day parade. Ashley has also been involved in leadership roles, such as Renaissance and mentoring younger students.
Ms. Penalova-Bluvstein, Ashley’s former English and current Creative Writing teacher, speaks highly of her character. “She’s somehow able to face our world with optimism despite being aware of what’s wrong with it,” she says. “I can pair her with anyone and know that they will be safe with her.” Many of her peers agree. “She’s really hard working, really smart, and she cares a lot about other people,” says her water polo teammate Sari Wachtelhausen.
After graduation, Ashley hopes to continue playing baseball through club or intramural teams, and is planning on trying out for the US national baseball team this summer. Come fall she plans to attend Belmont University to study nursing. “It’s something I can do where I’m helping people, and where no day will be the same,” she says. She is drawn to nursing because it allows her to help people and engage meaningfully with patients. Ashley looks forward to the variety that nursing offers, as she knows that no two days will be the same.
Ashley Stewart is an exceptional athlete and student who has left a lasting impact on our San Mateo community. Her talent, dedication, and kindness are qualities that will serve her well in all areas of her life. We are proud of Ashley’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that she will achieve in the future.