WILMORE, Ky. --- Asbury Athletics has announced this month's #TeamAU Alumni Feature, presented by KEMI (Kentucky Employers' Mutual Insurance), highlights a former Asbury student-athlete, Summer Rattliff, class of 2016. Summer was a member of the Asbury softball team from 2013-2016. Summer was a force on the mound for the Eagles throughout her college career.
For two years in a row, Summer was named the KIAC All-Conference Team, with 160 strikeouts in 2014 and 149 strikeouts in 2015.
On her senior night in 2016, Summer achieved an impressive 500 career strikeouts.
"Summer was a very focused student. She developed many skills including perseverance."
David Riel, Director of Clinical Experiences, School of Education
See Summer's answers to our questions below!
What were the years of your time at AU?
I attended Asbury University from 2012-2016.
What was your major and what sport did you play?
I majored in Elementary Education and played softball.
How did God use Asbury to impact your life?
The lessons I learned at Asbury University are truly countless and irreplaceable. Asbury is a special place full of special people. The love and grace that I was shown throughout my time at AU will never be forgotten. There were many times of struggle during my time there and I had many people supporting me through those times, coaches and professors. They truly embodied God's grace, forgiveness and love for us and showed it to me daily. I strive to use that same grace and unconditional love every single day in my career as a teacher. We will fall so many times in life but those that are there to help us get back up make such a huge impact.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
My favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
This verse brings me so much comfort in knowing that the Lord has a plan and those plans are beautiful. He promises he does not want to bring us harm, but knowing that we will go through hard times in life He will always be on the other side guiding us. We will not go through those hard times alone. Even at my lowest, when I feel the most alone, I can take comfort in knowing that I truly am not alone and that God has a plan for my future and there are brighter days ahead. I try to always live my life by that and trust in His promising words. I have seen the greatness that He can bring after the storm and I trust in His words to be true.
What is your current occupation?
I am a preschool teacher at Plum Tree Montessori School. Every day I have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the brightest, most-capable and beautiful children and watch them turn into amazing people. Teaching is truly a work of heart and such a blessing in my life.
What is your favorite Asbury athletics memory?
My favorite athletics memory would have to be hitting 500 career strikeouts on my senior night.
Why would you encourage anyone to attend Asbury University?
I would encourage anyone to attend AU if they truly strive for a place of community and great support. Asbury is wonderful for so many reasons but when it comes down to it, the people make it exceptional. I am a person that values connection and community and Asbury gives you that. You will not find a more supportive and uplifting community to cheer you on as you reach your goals!
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