AUBURN, Ala. - As the Malveaux era enters its second season on the Plains, a bevy of newcomers will wear the Orange and Blue at Jane B. Moore Field for the first time. Throughout the fall, we’ll introduce the 13 fresh faces joining the program.
The 2022 and 2023 NFCA National Catcher of the Year, true freshman Ava Ratliff joins the Tigers from Bedford, Indiana. She broke multiple school records at North Lawrence High School, including home runs, hits, and doubles in a season.
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball?
Ratliff: I was probably four or five when I started playing. My parents started coaching a travel team. The team was eight and under. I was five and played up with them. I kind of just got thrown into it with all the older kids.
Q: Who has influenced your softball career the most?
Ratliff: My dad. He’s always researched and found the best of the best for me. He has pushed me to be my best self. I’ve got his work ethic, too. He’s always been willing to work with me - no matter what. He built a whole batting cage in our backyard. He’s literally just provided me with everything that I could ever have to be successful.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
Ratliff: Just have fun and enjoy everything. I feel like sometimes we are too hard on ourselves, especially with softball. It’s a game of failure. Have fun with it, and it will all work out.