Ashley Charters Announces Retirement from Fastpitch Softball

SEATTLE - Feb. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Ashley Charters, the 2013 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) “Defensive Player of the Year”, has officially announced her retirement from Fastpitch softball.

“Hanging up my cleats after 18 years of playing the game that I love was a very difficult decision, but I am excited for what is next in life,” Charters said. “I am so thankful for all of the opportunities that softball has given me. I have met some great people and seen some amazing places all thanks to softball.”

Charters joined the NPF in 2011 as a second baseman for the USSSA Pride, which most recently won the 2013 NPF Championship. Charters is a 3-time All-NPF Team selection, for second base, who had 58 put-outs and 61 assists while remaining errorless during the 2013 season.

Charters spent her collegiate career at the University of Washington, where she won a National Championship in 2009 and was named a 3-time All-American. Charters was a member of the Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team (2007, 2009) and still holds the Huskies all-time record for stolen bases at 133.

“Ashley is one of the best players and best leaders I have ever coached,” said Head Coach Heather Tarr of the University of Washington. “Her work ethic and attention to detail combined with her tremendous athletic talent are what made her such a great Husky and professional softball player. I look forward to what's next for Ashley, her future is bright.”

In addition to her professional career, Charters was a member of the USA National Team (2009, 2010) where she won Gold at the KFC World Cup, Canada Cup, Japan Cup, and at the 2010 World Championships in Venezuela.

Ashley Charters can be followed on Twitter at @ADCharters11 (https://www.twitter.com/ADCharters11).

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