INDUCTION CEREMONY SPEECH

From 2007-11, Ashley Wright was an exceptional student-athlete for both the basketball and softball programs at Endicott. On the basketball court, Wright joined the 1,000-point club thanks in large part to her lethal shooting ability, as she holds program records for three-pointers made (204) and free-throw percentage (.828), while providing strong defense with a program-best 282 steals. By the end of her basketball career, Wright accumulated All-New England honors and two All-Conference awards. 

On the softball diamond, Wright was an integral part of Endicott’s historic run of nine straight Commonwealth Coast Conference championships as she was a part of four titles and NCAA Regional Tournament appearances. Wright proved to be one of the best players in the region with National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-New England First Team honors as a senior with three All-Conference awards. She finished her softball career in the top-10 of several offensive categories including hits (146), runs (115), RBIs (102), home runs (17), doubles (41), batting average (.369), on-base (.445) and slugging percentage (.621). 

"I am both elated and honored to be selected as an inductee to the Endicott Athletics Hall of Fame," said Wright. "My time spent at Endicott was some of the most cherished and rewarding years of my life. The women's basketball and softball programs allowed me to develop into a distinguished athlete as well as building the foundation for the person I am today. The athletic department and coaching staff exemplified true leadership and dedication. The staff and my fellow teammates never allowed me to settle for anything less than my best. In particular, the guidance of Coach (Mark) Veilleux provided had a profound impact on me, not only as an athlete but as a person which has lasted long after playing my final inning. Now as an alumna, I continue to wake up daily thinking, "it's a great day to be a Gull!"

Academically, Wright was arguably at her best. As a criminal justice major, Wright collected numerous accolades including two CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team awards in her senior season for both basketball and softball, CCC Basketball Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors, and three nods on both the CCC Academic All-Conference and Endicott Academic Varsity Club teams. 

"Ashley was such a formidable competitor and played such a pivotal role in both basketball and softball during her four years here at Endicott," said Wylie. "Moreover, her academic prowess was perhaps her greatest distinction as a student-athlete. She was supremely respected amongst her peers and teammates and worked tirelessly in not only pushing herself to be great but her teammates as well. In reflecting back on Ashley’s time here, what stands out most to me was her ability to make critical baskets or timely hits with the utmost confidence and an infectious smile."

Wright began her postgraduate career with the State of New Hampshire Juvenile Justice Division. She also coached junior varsity basketball for a number of seasons at Trinity High School (Manchester, N.H.). Recently, Wright purchased her first home and is in the process of planning her wedding in 2018. She is an avid Spartan Race participant. Last year, Wright was inducted into the Manchester Catholic School Hall of Fame.