Harnett Central’s Ansley Lee signs with Gardner-Webb for softball

by John Lucas | Nov 14, 2018 | Articles, Harnett Central

Pictured at Wednesday’s signing at Harnett Central are, from left, Dewayne Lee (father), Ansley Lee, Kim Lee (mother) and Ashton Weaver (sister). On the back row are principal Catherine Jones, athletic director Will Gage, assistant Ashlee Crewe, coach Chelsey Cabe and travel coaches Tony Williford, Don Ladd and Jody Frailey. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Harnett Central senior Ansley Lee, of Lillington, signed Wednesday to play college softball at Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs.

The upcoming spring season will be Lee’s fourth as a varsity starter, one year at Western Harnett and three at Harnett Central, primarily at the pitcher and first base positions.

“My freshman year, especially, being the only pitcher, that kind of motivated me to get better,” Lee said. “I always knew I wanted to play in college. My travel coaches, especially the Cape Fear Storm organization, have helped me get to where I want to be. It’s a big accomplishment for me because I’ve had a lot of doubters. I’m excited.”

Lee said her interest in the Bulldogs began when she attended a camp at Gardner-Webb two years ago. At the time, she never thought she would actually attend the school.

“Ever since I had my unofficial visit, it just seemed like home,” Lee said. “Everyone was so friendly and I loved the atmosphere. I can’t wait to go there.”

Lee said all three coaches at Gardner Webb, assistants Kenzi Corn and Scott Long and head coach Tom Cole, were involved in recruiting her, noting that Long was the coach she had the most contact with and Cole provided the opportunity for her unofficial visit. According to Gardner-Webb’s official website, Cole is the winningest coach in the program’s history (354 wins) and is 17 wins away from his 500th career victory. Cole has been with the program for 18 years, while Corn and Long are in their first year at the school.

Lee expects to continue pitching, as well as playing multiple other positions, for the Bulldogs. On the classroom side, she plans to major in Sports Management.

“I hope to maintain that starting position,” Lee said. “I’ve talked to my coach up there and he said the main reason he signed me was because I could play multiple positions. That’s one main thing I hope to be able to do. And just stay good in school and do well in school. Just play hard and don’t ever give up.”

Between transferring schools between her freshman and sophomore years and the departure of coach Lauren Taylor between her junior and senior years, current head coach Chelsey Cabe will be Lee’s third head coach in four years of high school softball. She believes having to make multiple adjustments during her high school career will aid her in making the change from high school to college.

“I’ve been used to it,” Lee said. “I think I’ll be fine when it comes to college. I know the girls are really nice. I’m just excited overall. So excited.”

With one high school season remaining, Lee has been a member of a team that reached the state playoffs each of her three years playing so far. The Eagles reached the first round of the 3-A state playoffs her freshman year and the Trojans reached the first round of the 4-A state playoffs her sophomore year and the third round of the 3-A state playoffs her junior year. Also in her junior year, Central went unbeaten in Tri-County Six 3-A Conference play, claiming both the regular season and tournament championships.

“I just feel like my freshman year really motivated me,” Lee said. “And ever since I’ve been playing with Harnett Central, I’ve been excited for this year. I feel like this year will be good, especially with our coaching staff.”

Lee cited the 2018 season, going unbeaten in conference and reaching the third round of the playoffs, as one of her most standout memories of her high school tenure.

In addition to four years of varsity softball, Lee also played two years of junior varsity and one year of varsity volleyball.

Lee noted her gratitude for everyone responsible for helping her reach the next level.

“I want to thank my parents and coaches,” Lee said. “Especially (Harnett Central assistant) coach (Ashlee) Crewe. She’s helped me coming from last year. Thank my family for sure. They’ve supported me all the way.”