Ella Ashley, a senior at Southwest Georgia Academy, has had an impressive six months, culminating in her recent commitment to Georgia Military College. The athlete has achieved remarkable milestones, including winning a softball state championship and surpassing a thousand points in basketball. As she reflects on her time at SGA, Ashley expresses immense gratitude for her experiences.
“It means a lot because I’ve worked so hard. As a little kid, I always wanted to play college ball. I’m really excited and proud of myself. I could never have imagined my senior year going this good—it’s been incredible,” said Ashley. Although her time at SGA is ending, she is still focused on the current season as the Lady Warriors Basketball team boasts a strong record of 14-2 and is gearing up for a deep playoff run, setting the stage for a fulfilling conclusion to her athletic career in Damascus.
Another senior, Sawyer Franklin, has also signed to play at the collegiate level, choosing Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Franklin expressed gratitude for the support he has received and acknowledged the importance of fan presence during games. “I didn’t really know until a couple of years ago that’s what I really wanted to do, but I’m thankful to have the opportunity to go play,” he stated.
Both athletes chose their respective colleges based on a feeling of familiarity and connection to home. Franklin noted that the proximity and atmosphere of ABAC felt right, while Ashley mentioned the similarities in culture with Georgia Military College.
As the two prepare for their next chapter, their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in their community. With so much promise ahead, the future looks bright for Ashley and Franklin as they step into collegiate athletics.