When Ashley Carter was a young softball player, her travel ball coach asked her to write a list of her “dream schools.” Cal State Fullerton topped that list.
“This university has the best softball program in my eyes and the best business department,” said Carter. “Choosing Cal State Fullerton was one of the easiest decisions I’ve made.”
The former Titans Softball outfielder returned to her alma mater for the program’s 2026 Leadoff Social, which raised more than $103,000 for scholarships, new equipment, recruiting and more.
Surrounded by an audience of friends, family, alumni and fans, Carter shared how the “Titan mindset” has guided her to success at every step in her career, from a professional athlete to a collegiate coach, and now, a firefighter.
“Titans Softball isn’t just developing better athletes. It’s developing stronger people who know how to respond to pressure, who understand sacrifice, and who know that winning is about preparation, trust and resilience,” said Carter.
In recognition of her long-lasting impact on the Cal State Fullerton softball program, Carter was honored with the Judi Garman Determination Award at the Jan. 31 fundraiser.
She joined the Titans Softball team in 2010 and finished her four-year career with a .279 batting average, 43 RBI and 24 stolen bases across 196 games. In 2013, she led the team with 26 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. As a student-athlete, she also became a two-time First Team All-Conference outfielder, a multi-year Academic All-Conference honor roll member and received an Honorable Mention in 2011.
After earning her bachelor’s degree from the College of Business and Economics, Carter launched her career as an athlete in the National Pro Fastpitch league before moving on to coach collegiate softball.
Now a firefighter with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District, Carter shared, “The women in this program will graduate as leaders shaped by competition, accountability and teamwork. They’ll carry the Titan mindset into their careers, families and communities. Long after their final inning, they will represent Cal State Fullerton with pride.”
Last season, the team collected a program-high 18 All-Conference accolades, including Gina Oaks Garcia’s first Big West Coach of the Year award. The 2026 roster includes 17 returning players and eight new players.
“Every year, I remind our students that we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and this program is no exception. We have unbelievable leaders and head coaches who have built this program into what it is today,” said Jim Donovan, director of Titans Athletics.
Oaks-Garcia said that 100% of the funds will go to the program, ensuring that Titans Softball remains a top contender in the Big West postseason and is on the path to a national championship.
The Titans Softball team will begin Big West play at home against Cal Poly on March 7.