The Pacer

Issue date: 2/20/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: UTM Sports Information

Although most Skyhawk softball fans have come to know sophomore pitcher Ashley Myatt for her accomplishments on the field, she hopes to have an effect on others in more important ways.

Besides being a talented softball player, Myatt, who tied a school record by striking out 13 Mississippi Valley State batters during a 9-4 Skyhawk victory on Feb. 10, is also a Christian and a nursing major.

"I am pretty excited to know my name will go in the record books; however, individual records are not that important to me. I would rather set records as a team and win as many games as possible regardless of how many records are set," she says.

During her record-setting performance Myatt tried not to focus on the possibility of joining the list of significant names in Skyhawk history but admits that it was difficult not to allow such thoughts to enter her mind.

"I knew that I had more strikeouts than in any game last year, so I was pretty excited about that. I tried not to think about it too much though because it always seems to come back and get me if I do. Even though I knew I had several strike outs, I had no idea it would end up being 13," she says.

The Dickson native says she owes her strong faith and religious background to her parents, who have been her role models throughout her life.

"My parents are two of the strongest people I know. My mother is such a servant and is always helping others," she says.

Myatt's strong beliefs encourage her to be the best person she can be in every circumstance, whether it be on the field of play or on the UTM campus. Her dedication to God prompts her to do her best to be an example to others around her.

"As a Christian I strive daily to be more like Christ. I spend a daily quiet time in prayer and reading my Bible. I hope to set an example for not only my teammates, but also this campus. I want others to see Jesus in me. As for on the field, I try do my best every game and work hard at every practice because God has called us to do our very best at everything. I hope my teammates see this in me."

On the field this season, Myatt is expected to be among the team leaders after posting an impressive freshman season in 2006. In her first year of NCAA competition, Myatt finished with a 13-9 record and an ERA of 1.90. She pitched 13 complete games and struck out 101 batters while becoming one of four Skyhawks to be named to the Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team.

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