On Wednesday, Neshoba Central pitcher Aspen Wesley received national recognition as USA Today named her to its 2017-18 ALL-USA Preseason High School Softball Team.

The accolade is just another to add to Wesley’s already impressive list, which includes back-to-back Gatorade Mississippi Softball Player of the Year honors. 

“It’s a great feeling,” Wesley said of her recent recognition. “There are so many girls in the nation; any of them could have been selected. It just happened to be me, and I’m just very thankful for it.” 

For Neshoba Central coach Trae Embry, Wesley’s selection comes as no surprise. Her work ethic, he said, rivals her most effective knockout pitch. 

“She’s very deserving of the honor,” Embry said. “She’s worked extremely, extremely hard, and she continues to work even though she’s already committed to Mississippi State and she already has all these honors. She wants to be the best, and she continues to work to be the best.”

Wesley first started for Neshoba Central during her seventh-grade season, and over the years has evolved from wide-eyed beginner to seasoned veteran. She now takes pride in teaching aspects of the game to Neshoba Central’s younger players. 

“This team means a lot to me,” she said. “I just try to be there for them as much as I can, on and off the field. I try to be a big sister to them. I’m a junior, so I am basically a big sister to them.”

In addition to her development as a team leader, Wesley said she’s also matured as a pitcher. Her refusal to remain complacent or content fuels her athletic drive.

“I have to have things that make me strive — I’m not satisfied,” she said. “Right now, I’m not satisfied (with) where I’m at. Last year, I wasn’t satisfied (with) where I was at. I just try not to be satisfied with where I’m at. That’s what my mom tells me all the time, too — never be satisfied.”

Wesley and the Lady Rockets have gotten off to a scorching start this season. Neshoba Central boasts an 11-0 record, and Wesley has thrown four no-hitters, one of which was a perfect game. She’s tallied 68 strikeouts and has allowed just three hits to go along with a 0.00 ERA.

“She has probably one of the strongest and best work ethics that I’ve ever been around,” Embry said. “And she wants to make sure that when it comes to pitching, she’s able to do everything, and is involved in the pitching… So, she’s definitely going to be one who puts in the time and the effort. She doesn’t take many days off.”