Ashley Hansen named USA Softball’s Collegiate Player of the Year

Junior shortstop ASHLEY HANSEN has been selected as USA Softball’s Collegiate Player of the Year, the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) announced Tuesday. Hansen is the first Cardinal player to earn this prestigious honor and just the second non-pitcher in the 10-year history of the award.

Hansen put up career offensive numbers in her third season at Stanford. The Chandler, Ariz. Native, also is the 2011 Pac-10 Player of the Year).

“My team has been there for me through thick and thin this year, really the past three years. I know that it’s not just me out there. I have eight other girls in the lineup who are capable of getting the job done and that takes a lot of pressure off of me,” said Hansen.

“From the first day that she set foot on campus, we knew she was not only a special player, but a special person. If you are around her you see right away how likeable she is and how she just does things the right way. You don’t become the player she is without a lot of hard work and dedication while learning from those around you,” said head softball coach JOHN RITTMAN. “This is huge for Stanford and our program to have someone recognized as National Player of the Year. I am so proud of Ashley and all her accomplishments. She is such a team player and very deserving of this honor.”

Read the full story on the Athletics website.