When you know, you know.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea ace Ashley Weisenstein first attended a softball game at Monmouth University last spring and it turned out to be love at first sight.
“I went to watch (former Sea teammate Giana Scotti) play and I really liked the school,‘’ said Weisenstein. ”I just knew then that I wanted to be there.‘’
Weisenstein’s wish became a reality as she eventually signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Monmouth on an athletic scholarship.
Weisenstein’s initial visit to the West Long Branch, N.J., school got the ball rolling in receiving an offer as the school was one of several institutions she emailed. The reigning Smith Cup winner wound up attending a softball camp at Monmouth and after keeping in contact with the coaching staff, she went for an official visit before eventually receiving an offer.
“I told them on the spot I wanted to go,‘’ laughed the 17-year-old. ”I had previously talked to (Scotti) about the school and program and I just feel comfortable knowing I’ll know somebody there.
“I always wanted to play in college and to play at any level is amazing — it really didn’t matter to me what division it was,‘’ added Weisenstein, who is planning to pitch and bat for first-year head coach Morgan Royer at the D1, Coastal Athletic Association school. “Monmouth is a place I really like and it happens to be a Division 1 school. I’m thrilled about it and really looking forward to going up against really good competition.‘’
Weisenstein became the ninth Sea player to earn the Smith Cup last spring after leading the Vikings to a 21-3 record overall and NYSSCOGS’ No. 2 AAA ranking.
The right-hander finished with an 19-1 record overall and a 1.40 earned run average in 2024. The three-year varsity player struck out a whopping 138 batters in 105 innings of work overall. She was 10-0 with a 0.42 ERA in league play.
St. Joseph by-the-Sea ace Ashley Weisenstein, who finished with an overall record of 19-1 in 2024, won't be too far from home when she attends college beginning next fall. (Staten Island Advance/Annie De Biase)Staten Island Advance/Annie De Biase
Her batting, of course, was equally impressive. Weisenstein boasted a .488 batting average (39 for 80), a .549 on-base percentage and a .800 slugging percentage thanks, in part, to 17 extra-base hits (12 doubles, two triples, three HRs) overall in 2024.
The then junior was even more impressive in league play thanks to a .629 batting average; a .667 on-base percentage a 1.752 OPS. She finished with eight doubles, 14 RBI, 10 runs and only struck out once.
Royer was named Monmouth’s new coach last July and Weisenstein said she’s looking forward to playing for her.
“I know I have to go in there and earn a spot,‘’ the Westerleigh resident said. ”I’m just going to be myself and work on getting stronger before next season.‘’
Weisenstein is undecided on a major, but is leaning toward Business.
She also received interest from Fordham University.
Other 2024-25 College Signings by Charle De Biase Jr.
Tottenville’s Jason Bassett (Baseball)
Farrell’s Aiden Pedreros (Football)
College Signings 1 (Dec. 12, 2024)
College Signings 2 (Jan. 15, 2025)