Troy University Athletics
Troy Softball Inks Four in Early Signing Period
11/13/2019 2:00:00 PM | Softball
TROY, Ala. – Troy softball head coach Beth Mullins announced the signing of four standouts from the class of 2020 on Friday. The signing class features Ashlan Ard, Kennedi Gaton, Jill Robinson and Audra Thompson.
"I am thrilled to welcome the class of 2020 to the Trojan family," Mullins said. "All four of these ladies are Trojans through and through. They are going to bring a lot to this program both on and off the field. We cannot wait to get them on campus in the fall."
Ashlan Ard
Ard is set to begin her senior season at Franklinton High School, where she has helped lead the Demons to playoff appearances in her first three seasons. The Franklinton, La., native batted a .500 clip with eight home runs and 11 intentional walks in her junior campaign.
The middle infielder was also tabbed a member of the first team all-district squad as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
"Ashlan is very talented, an elite defender and will give us a lot of stability in the middle infield," Mullins said. "She also brings a very consistent mindset and bat to the plate, which shows her maturity despite being so young."
Kennedi Gaton
Gaton signs with the Trojans out of Winter Springs, Fla., where she completed an undefeated, 31-0, season that was capped off with an 8A State Championship title her junior year. She also helped lead the team to a regional appearance her sophomore season.
The third baseman was named to the 2019 Miracle Sports Class 8A First Team and to the 2019 All-Central Florida First Team. During her sophomore and junior campaign, Gaton was dubbed a member of the first-team all-conference squad.
"Kennedi is a gritty, high-energy competitor that is going to bring a lot to our program," Mullins said. "She not only is going to bring a big presence to our offense but a strong glove to our infield as well."
Jill Robinson
Robinson enters her senior campaign at Baker High School after helping lead the Hornets to a 23-13 record and fourth place in the state tournament. The Mobile, Ala., native finished her junior season with 10 home runs, three triples, 23 doubles and 10 stolen bases.
The catcher was also tabbed a member of the all-county and all-region team as a junior.
"Jill is a very versatile athlete who is going to give us flexibility defensively," Mullins said. "She is excellent behind the plate, but she can also play multiple other positions. Alongside her defensive versatility, she brings a lot of power and consistency to the plate."
Audra Thompson
The Kissimee, Fla., native signs with Troy as she enters her senior campaign at Osceola High School. Thompson has helped lead the Kowboys to playoff appearances in all three seasons. She finished her junior season batting .455 with a .517 on-base percentage, 35 hits and 28 RBI.
Thompson is a three-time all-county team selection.
"Audra is going to bring a big bat to the program in terms of average, power and on-base percentage," Mullins said. "She also gives us a lot of versatility in our infield because she does a lot of things well."
To stay up-to-date about the latest news on the Troy Softball program, follow the Trojans on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyTrojansSB.
"I am thrilled to welcome the class of 2020 to the Trojan family," Mullins said. "All four of these ladies are Trojans through and through. They are going to bring a lot to this program both on and off the field. We cannot wait to get them on campus in the fall."
Ashlan Ard
Ard is set to begin her senior season at Franklinton High School, where she has helped lead the Demons to playoff appearances in her first three seasons. The Franklinton, La., native batted a .500 clip with eight home runs and 11 intentional walks in her junior campaign.
The middle infielder was also tabbed a member of the first team all-district squad as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
"Ashlan is very talented, an elite defender and will give us a lot of stability in the middle infield," Mullins said. "She also brings a very consistent mindset and bat to the plate, which shows her maturity despite being so young."
Kennedi Gaton
Gaton signs with the Trojans out of Winter Springs, Fla., where she completed an undefeated, 31-0, season that was capped off with an 8A State Championship title her junior year. She also helped lead the team to a regional appearance her sophomore season.
The third baseman was named to the 2019 Miracle Sports Class 8A First Team and to the 2019 All-Central Florida First Team. During her sophomore and junior campaign, Gaton was dubbed a member of the first-team all-conference squad.
"Kennedi is a gritty, high-energy competitor that is going to bring a lot to our program," Mullins said. "She not only is going to bring a big presence to our offense but a strong glove to our infield as well."
Jill Robinson
Robinson enters her senior campaign at Baker High School after helping lead the Hornets to a 23-13 record and fourth place in the state tournament. The Mobile, Ala., native finished her junior season with 10 home runs, three triples, 23 doubles and 10 stolen bases.
The catcher was also tabbed a member of the all-county and all-region team as a junior.
"Jill is a very versatile athlete who is going to give us flexibility defensively," Mullins said. "She is excellent behind the plate, but she can also play multiple other positions. Alongside her defensive versatility, she brings a lot of power and consistency to the plate."
Audra Thompson
The Kissimee, Fla., native signs with Troy as she enters her senior campaign at Osceola High School. Thompson has helped lead the Kowboys to playoff appearances in all three seasons. She finished her junior season batting .455 with a .517 on-base percentage, 35 hits and 28 RBI.
Thompson is a three-time all-county team selection.
"Audra is going to bring a big bat to the program in terms of average, power and on-base percentage," Mullins said. "She also gives us a lot of versatility in our infield because she does a lot of things well."
To stay up-to-date about the latest news on the Troy Softball program, follow the Trojans on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyTrojansSB.
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