Super senior leads softball team to solid start

Fifth-year first baseman Ansley Gilreath was named the Big South Conference Player of the Week for the first time in her career on Monday Feb. 15.

“I felt so thankful and blessed to be recognized. My first thought — all glory to God,” Gilreath said. 

“It was the moment that I realized all of my hard work this past year had paid off. I am proving to not only myself but everyone else why it was so important for seniors across the nation to get that extra year of eligibility.”

After competing in Feldberg’s Invitational from Feb. 12-14 in Miami, FL, the Eagles were 2-3. In just those three days, Gilreath hit four homeruns, taking her from ninth all-time in school history for homeruns to fourth place with 24. 

“I came into this season feeling so grateful to be here because I wasn’t supposed to be. I decided to give my all to this season and this team and that’s exactly what I tried to do opening weekend and it paid off,” Gilreath said.

Hosting the first home tournament of the 2021 season Feb. 19-21, the Eagles finished the Winthrop Kickoff Tournament with two big wins and one loss. 

The tournament opened with a double-header against Bowling Green on Friday where the Eagles lost the first round 0-2, but returned later in the afternoon stronger than before, crushing the Falcons 10-1. On Sunday, Winthrop defeated the Furman Paladins 9-2.

With another homerun against Furman, Gilreath is now only eight away from tying the all-time career leader Chelsey Schoenfeldt with 33, but she is focused on the team as a whole instead of her personal goals.

“I want to be the player that does whatever it takes to get this team a conference championship and if that means I break the home run record then that’s awesome. But if not and I can still help this team win games and conference, then that’s just as awesome,” Gilreath said.

“Before every game, during the national anthem I always say a quick prayer to God asking him to give me confidence on the field and to play my best. That’s why I always point up to the sky when I cross home plate after a homerun, to show that it’s not just me out there, but He’s with me, helping me every step of the way,” Gilreath said.

Although the season just began, Gilreath is already thinking about ways the Eagles can make it to the Big South Conference Tournament, especially since there will only be four teams competing instead of the traditional six.

“I think we’re really going to have to bear down and not slack off or take any games off, especially conference games,” Gilreath said.

Gilreath is most looking forward to competing against Clemson, whose 2021 season will be only the second season with a Tiger softball team.

“I grew up in a family of huge Clemson fans so naturally I am one, and their program is so new that I think it will be really fun to play them and see their field,” Gilreath said.

Four freshmen and one transfer joined the team this season, and as one of the oldest players on the team, Gilreath is extremely proud to see the work they have put in, bringing in “so much talent and energy.”

“They all want to be out there playing and doing their best and they have so much heart for this game. Because they work so hard, it’s made the rest of us step up and work harder as well,” Gilreath said.

“I’m very confident in this team moving forward in the season. I trust every single girl out there to give it their all, and I think that’s a huge part of our success.”

The Eagles return to the home field Friday Feb. 26 for the Winthrop Garnet/Gold Classic, opening the tournament at 1:30 pm against Syracuse University. 

All home games are open to the general public as long as fans wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings.

Photo courtesy of Winthrop Athletics