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Stager Sisters Reunite In Tallahassee

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By EDDIE DANIELS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 14, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - For a time, Ashley Stager had no idea the Atlantic Coast Conference's Player of the Week award existed.

That changed Feb. 18 - when the former Mitchell High star won it.

"It was awesome," Stager said. "I was excited because I didn't even know that award existed. I had a bunch of people tell me, my dad told me, a couple girls on the team immediately texted me. It was awesome to hear.

"Then my roommate, teammate Allison Collins made me a little poster. It was really sweet. I was just excited. I'm thrilled because I felt like I was proving myself."

Teammates also treated her to a home-cooked meal. Not the typical perks for a freshman, but that's what happens when you score an award like that.

Stager finished her first season as the Seminoles' starting shortstop first in walks (29) and triples (3), tied for second with eight doubles, a four-way tie for second with her four homers and fifth in batting average (.242).

As to be expected, her first collegiate at-bat came with a case of the nerves.

"Someone was on base and all I remember is I felt like I had to move them and I felt nervous at first," Stager said. "I remember, on the walk up to the plate, I was really nervous, but when I got in the box I was a little more calm.

"I was trying to hear my dad in the stands, so I kind felt like I was back in travel ball or in high school."

Thanks to those nerves, she can't recall what happened during that at-bat.

Throughout the season, Stager received several moments of assurance via talks with older teammates and the team's associate head coach, Louie Berndt. That allowed her to excise those frightening freshman thoughts.

"I just really wanted to prove myself, but to have Coach Louie come up to me and say that, it just really relaxed me and I didn't have any worries except just to play the game. It really allowed me to just enjoy the game," she said.

When her sophomore season commences next season, it'll be minus the coach who recruiter her, JoAnne Graf, who retired in June after 30 seasons. Former UNLV coach Lonni Alameda was named Graf's successor last month.

What could be an uncomfortable situation will be made easier with the addition of Stager's sister, Courtney.

Courtney Stager, who was a star catcher at Mitchell, will attempt to crack the Seminoles lineup in that same position.

"I can't wait to play with her again," said Ashley Stager, who is a year ahead of Courtney. "I missed her last year because you always have that person who really understands you, where you came from, so I'm really excited to have her back.

"I can't wait to play with her, give her the ins and outs and what to do and what not to do. I like it because I really feel like I'm stepping into my big sister role and helping her out."

Courtney Stager made her way to the Tallahassee campus this summer, taking an English and math course. In addition to classes, Courtney Stager and a freshman teammate made sure they went to the field and worked out on their own.

"We were going through summer session and we would always go out to the field and practice," she said. "The first time we stepped on the field we were excited because we felt like we're real Seminoles now."

Don't expect the sibling bickering with these two. Those days have come and gone.

Ashley Stager admitted they were normal sisters, arguing here and there, but when it came to softball, none of that mattered.

"We never argued on the field. Maybe we would argue at home about little stuff, but nothing big," she said. "But when I went away to college, things changed. We never argued after that. She comes to me for advice and she'd call me and tell me she missed me. Now we're closer than we were and I think that will help us on the field even more."

There may not be any bickering, but expect competition. Considering there's one ACC Player of the Week honor in the Stager household, Courtney Stager wants to be the one to bring home the second.

"It definitely pushes me because I want to get that myself, especially representing New Port Richey, no one knows where that's at," Courtney Stager said laughing.

Reporter Eddie Daniels can be reached at (813) 948-4214 or edaniels@tampatrib.com.

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