Ayers, 'The Epitome of What a Student Athlete is'

Aleshia Ayers' coaches at have watched the senior softball player succeed on the field, but they've also seen her excel in the classroom.

Ayers on Wednesday , a Division I college just outside Philadelphia. But athletics aren't her only strong suit–she estimates her GPA at around 4.3.

"Sometimes I have to stay up hecka late just to do my homework," Ayers said.

It's something Ayers' coaches have been more a part of than they might have been at another school. At Rosemont, unlike some other local schools, almost all of the coaches are also teachers, Athletic Director Bill Kapp said.

Kapp, , said Ayers' intent to attend Villanova is a bright spot for the Wolverines.

"It's big for us because it's the second Rosemont softball player to sign in three years to a Division I school," he said, praising Ayers as humble and "a great example of what a Rosemont softball player is."

Baseball coach Paul Martinez echoed that sentiment, calling Ayers "the epitome of what a student athlete is at this school or any school."

Rosemont High School Principal Leise Martinez was principal of when Ayers attended there, and said the softball player hasn't changed at all.

"She has always been amazingly top-notch, from day one," Leise Martinez said.

Trina Honea, Ayers' mother, recalled the years of practice since her daughter started playing softball at age 5, including the look on Ayers' face the first time she got on base in t-ball.

"I'll miss her, but I'm excited for the opportunity she's about to have," Honea said.