Ashlee Swindle, a junior at Curry High in Jasper, Ala., is an Auburn commit has had a pretty good year all around.

In high school ball, she went 23-5 as a sophomore and led her team to a Top 5 finish in State and a third straight Walker County championship. Pitching for the Birmingham Thunderbolts over the summer going 30-2 with her only loses coming against the Georgia Impact in Colorado and the Lady Magic at PGF.

Right now, she’s focused on excelling in another sport as she’s playing on the varsity basketball team!

We caught up with the busy athlete and asked her about her year, what’s she’s doing training-wise that’s made a big difference and what the highlights of 2013 were for her… check it out!

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Full Count Softball: You had a great summer and didn’t lose all fall. Do you feel like you’re elevating your game to another level?
Ashlee Swindle: Yes, due to us playing mostly showcases and splitting innings with my pitching buddy (Bailey Murphy) it was challenging to stay focused and be ready at any given time. We had some great defense and amazing hitting to also contribute to the wins.

FCS.com: You were oh-so-close in high school ball, finishing 3rd in state for the second year in a row including a 1-0 loss to Alabama commit (and fellow Bolt) Madi Moore.  Think you and your team can get over the hump in 2015?
AS: Well it will be very challenging but I think we can do it. We lost six starting seniors this year and it will take a lot of hard work and determination to come out and win state. We also have some Bolts players returning including our leadoff hitter, Kaylee Horton, and also my Crossfit partner and also one of my closest friends since we were little: my catcher, Emily Aaron.

FCS.com: Everyone’s kind of catching their breath now over the holidays… what are you doing to keep in shape and continue improving your game?
AS: I am working out every day and I play basketball so I also run a lot… it keeps me in shape. I also attend pitching lessons and hitting lessons to help me improve my game.

FCS.com: I understand you started doing Crossfit this fall… tell us what that entails and how it’s helping you get in better shape…
AS: Well, I get up before school every morning at 4:19 am and you know you have to have that one extra minute of sleep (laughs). I am working on getting my core tight and getting stronger. We pull sleds and run miles. We don’t have a set workout; every day it is a different day, but I tell you what those people believe in some burpees!  I understand that you have to wake up early in college to work out so why not get used to it now?

FCS.com: You’re playing basketball now… how is that going and what are the similarities to softball and the big differences when you switch seasons?
AS: Basketball helps me stay in shape because it is a constant sprint up and down the court. We have a winning record so far in basketball. Basketball is a lot more physical than softball—girls just think that can push you around! (laughs) I guess that’s where Crossfit comes in handy.

FCS.com: Christmas is upon us… what are you hoping Santa brings?
AS: I’m crossing my fingers to get some cowgirl boots. You know that, me being from the South and all, we love our boots

FCS.com: And the New Year is suddenly here too! Looking back on 2014, what have been the highlights for you on the field and off?
AS: To be honest the win over the So Cal Choppers and the Corona Angels at PGF Nationals was a big highlight this summer—it was intense! Not to brag on one of my teammates, Carmyn Greenwood, or anything but she had an amazing hit to knock in the winning run against the So Cal Choppers.

My school ball highlight was beating the nationally ranked Sparkman High. Off the field highlights would be going water rafting with my best friends over the summer while we was in Colorado playing ball. Another highlight would be spending Thanksgiving with my best friend and future Auburn roommate, Justus Perry. Also going on a mission trip with my youth group to Florida. Finally, I also enjoyed visiting the California beaches with my second dad, Jeff Horton.