Softball Co-Captain Ashley Schuman ’27, who started playing the sport early in her childhood, has grown into her leadership role with her keen and observant attitude and care for her teammates.
Schuman recounted her beginnings in softball, tracing back to her family’s history with the sport. “I started playing softball when I was really young, like I was probably almost 2. My older sister played, and my dad played baseball in college and started a really strong program in my town with girls in my grade and my sister’s grade. So I just kind of grew up around the sport. As I got older, I started practicing more, playing with higher-level teams, and I just kind of stuck with it,” said Schuman.
Schuman reflected on how that early exposure shaped both her playing ability and her understanding of teamwork and leadership.
“Watching my older sister and other leaders on my teams growing up and playing on a national team in the summers, you see how different people contribute to a team. I kind of took a little bit from everyone and looked inward at how I wanted to act as a leader. I don’t really want to talk for myself. I want to be the person that other people talk for. I want to be someone people look up to because of how I act and how I play. I think that’s kind of my main thing. Let others speak for me through my actions. Beyond that, I just try to be there for my team and tailor what I do to what each person needs,” said Schuman.
Kamryn Cabrera ’28, who joined the team with limited experience, described how Schuman’s leadership has personally impacted her.
“Ashley’s very sweet and supportive. I haven’t had the best experience with sports here, but from the moment I met her, she was very kind. She’s always included me and made me feel welcome on the team. Even though I’m new and not very experienced, she’s never treated me as less than. She’s always trying to help me improve instead of judging me, which is hard to come by. She’s really shown me the importance of supporting teammates and being a light for others,” said Cabrera.
As Co-Captain, Schuman is also focused on creating strong connections. She noted team activities that contribute to building those bonds.
“We have a really strong group of lowerclassmen, and just being able to celebrate each other makes the game more fun. We’ll go to dinner after practices, have team breakfasts, and most of us are friends outside of softball, too. Building those connections really translates to how we play on the field. It’s important to make everyone feel included,” said Schuman.
Sydney Moore ’28 emphasized how Schuman is both approachable and knowledgeable, creating a team environment where players feel comfortable seeking guidance, even beyond the sport itself.
“She’s always there for everyone and really knowledgeable about the game. Anyone can go up to her and ask for help. She’s very vocal on the field. If she sees something, she’ll say it and help us fix it. And off the field, she’s just as involved. She’s always at team dinners, talking with everyone, and even helps tutor people in math and science. She’s a leader in academics as well as athletics,” said Moore.
Looking ahead, Schuman is committed to playing Division I Softball at Boston University.
