On Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, Central Bucks East senior Hailey Aspinwall was recognized for signing a letter of intent to play softball at Bryant University. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p826286327
Hailey Aspinwall – Bryant University (Softball)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Bryant, Delaware, Drexel
Reasons for choosing Bryant: “When I was on campus, I liked how small the campus was – everything is in walking distance. It’s also very suburban because I’m not a city person. I liked the location, I liked the student-to-teacher ratio because it’s actually 13-to-1, so I know if I’m traveling for sports, I’m going to have personal connections with my teachers. I’ll be able to ask questions if I need to or contact them if needed instead of being in a huge lecture hall.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level? “I started playing when I was eight years old. I used to have a trainer, Nikki Cognigni, who trained me in fielding and hitting. She was a four-year starter at Pitt, so just knowing she was able to do that motivated me to think – ‘Oh, that’s something I’d want to do.’ She was the person that really introduced me into it, and from there, I’ve been in travel organizations that really led me in the right direction to play in college. I enjoy the game, and I always knew I would love to continue it for four more years in college.”
Coach Karl Knapp says: “When I took over as head coach four years ago, we took on two freshmen – Hailey at shortstop and Alyssa Catron at catcher. Hailey came to me with her portfolio showing me all her grades, and it was very impressive. I thought – here’s a person who’s really dedicated and interested. She walked onto a very established team at that time, and she held her own. She fit right in, she wasn’t intimidated. She ended up doing really well. In her three years, she’s won the batting title once, and she’s been in the top three hitters all three years and probably will be for four years here at East. She’s also a really good shortstop. She’s got great lateral movement and makes some really incredible plays. She has a really good softball IQ and really knows where the plays are and what to do.
“Outside of being a good softball player, she’s one of those kids that’s really respectful, she’s a very likable kid, she’s very coachable and somebody you just enjoy being around. She’s always a positive influence. You never hear any negativity out of her or anything. She’s someone who’s good to have in your program not just for the athletic ability but for what she brings with her character, her personality and her always upbeat attitude and hard work. She has a good work ethic.”
About Hailey:
Favorite food: Mashed Potatoes
Favorite movie/TV show: The Avengers/Criminal Minds
Favorite music: Country
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