Softball’s Ashley Heath-Smith signs with Portland State

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (July 29, 2014) – Tallahassee Community College softball standout Ashley Heath-Smith has signed a national letter of intent with Portland State University. 

Heath-Smith, a native of Merced, Calif., recently completed her NJCAA career with the Eagles, capped by an appearance in the NJCAA Division I Softball National Tournament. 

"After being at TCC, I feel very prepared and confident that I will succeed at Portland State," said Heath-Smith. "I was very lucky to have an amazing coaching staff that kept me on track and held me accountable throughout my career as an Eagle. 

"I chose Portland State because yes, it's on the West Coast, which is closer to home. But ultimately, the campus and facilities are absolutely gorgeous. Not to mention, it's the type of elite Division I program I was looking for and I can continue to pursue my degree in sport management and business." 

After starting in the Tallahassee outfield as a freshman, Heath-Smith made the transition to shortstop in 2014 and delivered a sparkling sophomore season. In addition to posting a fielding percentage of greater than .900, she batted .326 with two home runs, 34 RBI and 15 stolen bases. 

Those numbers helped Tallahassee to its first Panhandle Conference Championship since 1998 and landed Heath-Smith a spot on the All-PC second-team. They also served as a primer for an even stronger postseason. 

Heath-Smith hit safely in all eight games at the FCSAA Tournament, helping Tallahassee to the Gulf District Championship and its first State Championship since 1994. She batted .536 (15-for-28) en route to being named to the FCSAA Gulf District and FCSAA All-Tournament teams. 

She continued to swing a hot bat at the NJCAA Tournament, going 5-for-7 in the Eagles' two contests in St. George, Utah. 

In 100 career games at Tallahassee, Heath-Smith batted .337. 

"I know that Ashley will go into Portland State and make an immediate impact for them," said Tallahassee head coach Patti Townsend. "She is a versatile player with a huge competitive spirit, and she'll rise to the occasion and work her way into a starting role for them." 

When asked about her role at Portland State, Heath-Smith expects to be counted on for leadership, both on and off the field, while delivering consistency at the plate and in the infield. 

Portland State, located in Portland, Ore., competes in the Big Sky Conference.