DCHS hires new softball coach

Dodge City, KS (westernkansasnews.com)-The Dodge City High School Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Ashley Podschun as the new Head Softball coach of the Red Demons – pending Board of Education approval at the next scheduled meeting.

As a player at Chaparral High School, Ashley earned first team 4A All-State honors as a utility player. She began her collegiate career at Dodge City Community College – playing for Coach Howie Smith, where she was a first team All-Jayhawk utility pick, and a two-time, first team All-Region utility player. She was also named second team All-American utility, and Louisville Slugger NFCA first team All-American utility finishing her sophomore season with a .567 batting average – leading the NJCAA with 80 hits in 47 games with a season slugging percentage .901, and a career batting average .488.

Ashley finished her collegiate playing career at Washburn University – where she was named Honorable Mention All-MIAAA at second base, and was named to the All-MIAA All-Academic Honor Roll. Ashley earned her BS in Athletic Training, with a minor in Biology from Washburn.

Upon completion of her playing career at Washburn, Ashley served as a Graduate Assistant in the Ichabod Softball program. Her duties included practice instruction, off-season instruction, and she was the bench coach during regular season games. Ashley has also coached youth softball and has given private hitting and pitching lessons. Before accepting the head softball position at Dodge City High School, Ashley was the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Dodge City Community College. She will teach Health Science at Dodge City High School.

“We believe Ashley is going to be an outstanding fit for the Lady Demon Softball program. She understands how to teach the game and is passionate about the sport. She brings an enthusiasm to the position that will allow the student-athletes in our softball program to reach and exceed their potential. Ashley understands the vision of the DCHS Athletic Department – to develop character in all of our athletes, and is committed to making a difference at Dodge High.” – Jay Gifford – DCHS Athletic Director