FEATURED SENIOR ATHLETE: Ashlynn Stacks, North Putnam

Ashlynn is a senior at North Putnam and participates in one sport, softball.

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Banner Graphic: How important are sports to you, and what have you learned from them?

Ashlynn Stacks: “They’re really important to me. I’ve gotten several friends from it and it teaches me to stay confident, work hard and believe in myself.”

BG: Talk about softball.

AS: “Softball is something I’m pretty passionate about. I’ve played since I was little, played travel softball since 10u and played at North Putnam every year.”

BG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you in sports?

AS: “When I drop set for a ball and then watch the ball fall between several people or go to bunt and pop it up and it’s caught.”

BG: What does your game day routine look like?

AS: “I come to school, get dressed after school, eat and have someone do my hair.”

BG: As you’ve been a one-sport athlete and played with the same group of seniors these past four years, is it weird to think this is the last month-plus you’ll be playing together as a group?

AS: “It’s a little weird. I’ll miss the memories that we have made together. We have fun times together with a lot of laughter and it’s going to be weird not having that.”

BG: Do you have any favorite college/pro sports teams or athletes you follow?

AS: “I’m a big Florida Gators softball fan. I like watching them play.”

BG: What else do you do at school besides things involving sports?

AS: “I’m in NHS and Pep Club. I go to a few events to watch but softball keeps me pretty busy.”

BG: What do you like to do outside of school and sports?

AS: “I like to spend time with family and friends. I also like to be outdoors.”

BG: What are your favorites in movies, books, TV and music?

AS: “I’ve been reading some romance novels lately, not so much historical books. I don’t watch a lot of TV but have been watching a hospital show, which, as that’s what I want to be doing as a career, has been fun to watch.”

BG: Are you a person that wants to watch TV shows and movies, stream something from YouTube, Twitch, TikTok etc. or something else (gaming, reading, etc.)?

AS: “I’d probably sit on the couch and get on my phone. We always have the TV on so that’d be in the background.”

BG: What is something you have never done before that you would like to do someday?

AS: “I want to visit places outside of the country. We’ll be going to the Bahamas this summer but I want to see more of the islands like Jamaica down there.”

BG: What is your biggest fear?

AS: “Being in the dark, especially when you’re around the woods and don’t know what’s out there.”

BG: You’ve been placed in charge of making dinner. What’s on the menu?

AS: “Tacos. Those are pretty easy to make.”

BG: Do you have any pets?

AS: “We have three dogs, Bella, Wrigley and Jose, an outside cat, Bentley, a donkey and a miniature horse.”

BG: If your house were on fire, all living things were already out and you have your keys, cell phone, wallet/purse etc., what is one thing you would go back and get?

AS: “Probably the books that my great-grandma, who passed away, gave me.”

BG: If you were to describe your personality in one word, what would that word be and why?

AS: “Hard-working, not only in softball but I’m always pushing myself. With my job, I always try to stay busy and keep things going.”

BG: What has been your favorite place to visit?

AS: “I haven’t gone too far but I like going to the beach, so Panama City, Fla. I’m guessing going to the Bahamas will be my favorite after this summer.”

BG: What was your favorite school field trip?

AS: “I remember that in elementary school, our trip to Connor Prairie was pretty fun.”

BG: How important is support from your family and classmates to your success?

AS: “I think it’s very important.”

BG: Describe your overall school experience both academically and athletically.

AS: “My experience in both has been pretty good. I’ve done well in school and had a lot of support academically. My time in softball has also gone well.”

BG: If your school was to offer a class it currently doesn’t, what would you want to see taught?

AS: “Maybe a nursing or some kind of medical class.”

BG: What are your plans for after high school, and what career are you headed toward?

AS: “I’m going into nursing at St. Mary-of-the-Woods. After I get my degree, I want to be a neonatal nurse.”

BG: Is it difficult to keep up with your school work being an athlete?

AS: “Yes, it is. Staying busy with practice and getting back late from games, it’s hard to keep up with schoolwork as well.”

BG: Which particular classes and teachers have helped you the most in high school?

AS: “I did the nursing class at Area 30 and at North Putnam, my anatomy class with Mr. Cialkowski has helped me with a lot I need to know.”

BG: In the future, once you’ve established yourself, if you had your choice, would you want to live somewhere more remote, such as in the mountains or the countryside, somewhere more flashy like down on the beach or in the big city or in the neighborhood?

AS: “I want to stay out in the country.”

BG: Do you think high school has gone fast, and are you going to miss it?

AS: “It’s gone fast. I’m going to miss the people and the memories but I’m ready to move forward with what I want to do.”