JACKSONVILLE, FLA- Jacksonville University softball sophomore pitcher Ashlee Harwood was selected by Australia Softball for the 2023 Women's National Squad.  

"I think being selected to a national team pool is a great accomplishment. We are very proud of her and will be rooting for her if and when she gets to suit up for Australia!" said Head Coach Erica Ayers.  

The Elite Player Development Squad includes athletes of national interest who are identified based on their performance at the recent National Championships for Under-23 and Open Women, and/or performances in overseas competitions (colleges, professional leagues and national team tours). This squad includes many athletes who are playing in U.S. Colleges this year.  

The Australia native is in her second year as a Dolphin. She plans to major in Biochemistry and Psychology. Before Jacksonville, Harwood was a member of the U18 Australian Junior National Team for the 2020 WBSC Championships, member of the U17 Australian National Developmental Team in 2019 during their U.S. Tour and the Mankato Pepper Classic, member of the U19 Australian National Developmental Team in 2018 during the Japan Tour. She represented Western Australia at the Australian National Championships from 2014-17 as a member of the 15U team, 2016 as a member of the 17U team and 2020 with the 18U squad She received multiple academic awards at Mater Dei College and was on academic scholarship.  

She is invited to an Athlete Development Training Camp at Australian Institute of Sport in April 2023 and is eligible for selection for two international competitions in 2023, the WSBC Open Women's World Cup Qualifer Tournament or the Canada Cup Invitational Tournament.