Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2018-19 | Hawk Talk Monthly — February
EDITOR’S NOTE: Each week, the University of Iowa softball team will feature one native Iowan and their journey to Iowa City. This week features sophomore Ashley Hamilton.
WHY IOWA
I was born and raised a Hawkeye. I have always bled black and gold. Ever since I started playing softball, it had always been a dream of mine to put on the black and gold and represent it proudly. My dream when I was younger was to play collegiate softball at the D1 level, and part of that was playing for the University of Iowa. Even though I was raised to be a Hawkeye fan, growing up my parents never told me I had to be a Hawkeye, but I knew it was exactly what I wanted.
GROWING UP IN IOWA
Growing up in Iowa and living only 40 minutes away in Robins, Iowa, I was able to make it to a lot of athletic events. My aunt and uncle have been season ticket holders for Men’s basketball and football since before I was alive. I would always be patiently waiting for the day my uncle wasn’t able to go so I got take his ticket and go to some games. I grew up going to the Iowa softball games and just wishing and hoping that one day that would be me, working knowing how hard it would be to compete at that level. Iowa has always been a part of my family, and I’m really lucky that when I play I still get to see them sitting in the stands every game.
IOWA CITY
Iowa City has become a home away from home for me. I love being here and getting my education at such an amazing school. The whole city has everything I need: Friends, good food, great sports, and my family just a short drive away. Getting to have all of that and play at such a high level with such an amazing team makes Iowa unique to so many schools across the country. The challenges I get as a student athlete are hard, but the reward of improving myself on a daily basis is worth it.
