Jeff Moeller

Ashella Matias figured baseball was in her blood. Her father, Mike played the game in San Diego, and her stepmom, Caitlyn, played softball at First Presbyterian Day School in Macon. So in seventh grade, Matias knew it was time to take the plunge.

“Two weeks before middle school tryouts I came home and told my dad I wanted to play softball,” recalled Matias. My dad has had the biggest influence in my career. He has always pushed me to be my best in school and out of school.”

Now, five years later, Matias will begin her final year with the Wildcats’ program as the team’s center fielder this fall.

There is plenty to motivate Matias and the Wildcats this fall, as they advanced to the state’s Elite Eight Round last year and produced an overall 20-11 record.

Matias has fond memories of last year’s win over North Gwinnett that eventually propelled them to a fifth-place finish in the state, the highest plateau for any Wildcats’ team in school history. She had the go-ahead hit in the win over North Gwinnett.

“In the bottom of the fifth with runners on first and second, and we were losing 3-2,” described Matias. “l hit a line drive to left, and the left fielder over threw the ball to home plate, allowing both runs to score and I ended up at third.

“In the top of the seventh, one of their girls hit a grounder to Aubrey Villella for the final out. I believe that the North Gwinnett series was the one that got us to another level because winning that game got everyone pumped and ready for the Elite Eight."

A school addition also helped them reach a new level.

“I believe we got over this ‘hump’ when we were able to have more of a batting practice when the new cages were finished,” added Matias.

Her hitting is a priority for this season. Her overall game began to take shape two years ago. Over the past two seasons, Matias has hit .372 with 34 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

“I started to feel more comfortable with softball in my sophomore year,” confirmed Matias. “I believe the biggest thing that I had to overcome with my hitting is that many of my coaches wanted me to be a slap hitter but I knew I was capable of hitting.

“I am working on my hitting with summer workouts in the morning, and that contains weightlifting, hitting, and fielding practice.”

Head coach Chris Jenkins has watched Matias grow steadily over the past four years. Her consistent and dedicated effort has been the key.

“From her freshman year until now, she has improved as much as any player I've ever coached,” said Jenkins. “And that is solely due to her attitude and work ethic. Her energy and effort are the same every day. It doesn't matter if it's a practice or a game.”

Jenkins sometimes sees Matias being her own worst enemy.

“Her biggest obstacle is the expectations she sets for herself, but that's also what has made her successful,” noted Jenkins. “It's just a matter of her finding that balance.

“Her offensive numbers are just icing on the cake, though. What she brings to the team with her defensive play in centerfield, and her energy are invaluable assets. She also plays with a chip on her shoulder, which helped send us to the Elite Eight.”

Matias is confident her team can reach more state steps. The Wildcats open the regular season Aug. 20 against South Effingham.

I know that this team is really ready to take the next step,” said Matias. “We have so many talented athletes, and the Lady Wildcat family just keeps growing.”