March 28, 2024

Hoffman signs to play softball at Ellsworth

NEWTON — Newton senior Ashton Hoffman is preparing for her fifth season on the Cardinal softball team. That begins later this month, but she’s made a decision about her future in softball.

Hoffman recently signed a letter of intent to play softball for Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. Hoffman is a right-handed pitcher ready to continue her softball career at the college level.

“Coach (Ashley) Ryan played at Ellsworth and convinced me to take a visit,” Hoffman said. “It is in a small town and everyone is very friendly. The girls on the team made me feel a part of the team right away and I liked the coaches there.”

Hoffman was Newton’s main pitcher a year ago on a team with just two seniors. The Cardinals were 8-26 and Hoffman, a right-handed pitcher, was 8-20 with a 3.20 ERA. Over 177 1/3 innings pitched, Hoffman struck out 53 batters while allowing 213 hits and walking 49 batters.

Hoffman made only two errors fielding her position, ending with a .968 fielding percentage. She was a .208 hitter with 20 hits and 11 RBIs.

“I’ll be pitching for Ellsworth,” Hoffman said. “What can I give their program? I believe I have strong leadership qualities and a positive attitude. I know my role on a team and am a hard worker.”

Hoffman is the daughter of Robert and Amanda Hoffman. She plans to major in elementary education.

Hoffman said she wanted to thank Coach Ryan, Pete Jenkins, Doug Smith and Gary Grimes for their support and encouragement over the years. She said they convinced her she could go to college to continue her softball career and her academic career.