By Angela Brunk
At St. James Academy, 11th grader Dalton Ashley is gearing up for an exciting 2026 baseball season. Known for his versatility, Ashley can play first base, second base, third base, and pitch. An attribute that makes him a key utility player for the Thunder. Heading into the season, his main focus is on building camaraderie with his teammates and proving to the competition that St. James has a strong, well-rounded team.
In the offseason, Ashley took a multifaceted approach to his training. He combined weight training, pitching and hitting instruction, and a throwing program. He also did cross-training in soccer. This not only kept him in peak physical condition but also helped develop his athletic skills in different areas, enhancing his overall game.
A major goal for Ashley this season is to be a consistent competitor. To achieve this, he focused on improving his situational hitting and defensive skills, making sure he’s ready to contribute in any scenario. He also dedicated significant time to refining his pitching, aiming to be an all-around asset to the team.
Ashley’s individual goals this season are to lead by example with his play, contribute to the Thunder’s success, and exceed expectations in the Eastern Kansas League (EKL). Last year, he earned the JV Hitter of the Year award, posting impressive stats with a .383 batting average, .571 on-base percentage, and 1.000 fielding percentage.
Looking ahead, Ashley plans to continue excelling in both baseball and soccer at the varsity level while preparing for college. In addition to his athletic pursuits, he’s also serving as House Captain for the 2026-2027 academic year, balancing leadership with his love for sports.
