Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
True Blue Testimonials - Senior Catcher Ansley Blevins
2/24/2026 9:00:00 AM | General, Softball, BRAA
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — For Ansley Blevins, senior catcher at Middle Tennessee State University, softball has never been just a sport. It has been a calling, woven into her family history, rooted in faith, and strengthened by loyalty.
Blevins grew up in Jasper, Tennessee playing ball alongside her brother, Braden, spending countless hours on fields that would shape not only her skills but her character. Sports were a constant in her household. Her grandfather, Al Raffo, pitched professionally for the Philadelphia Phillies, setting a powerful example of what dedication to the game could look like.
From an early age, MTSU held a special place in her heart. Her mother, Angie Blevins competed in volleyball at Middle Tennessee State University, and her uncle played baseball.
When it came time to choose a college, she didn't just see a softball program, she saw a university she trusted.
She knew that MTSU would challenge her not only athletically but academically. More importantly, she felt confident in the foundation she had built with the coaching staff. The trust was mutual. The vision was clear.
Through life's highest highs and lowest lows, softball has remained her outlet. The field became a place of release, reflection, and resilience. Yet even more meaningful than the game itself has been the bond with her teammates. It's because of them, she says, that she knows she will always have a support system to lean on. Wins and losses fade, but relationships endure.
As her senior season unfolds, Blevins isn't focused on statistics. It doesn't matter to her how many runners she throws out from behind the plate or how many home runs she hits.
Her goal is far simpler, and far deeper.
She wants to walk away from MTSU happy. She wants to know she gave everything she had. She wants to be remembered as the best teammate and player she could possibly be.
Above all, she wants people to know she never played alone. Her faith has been her anchor. She proudly says she has always played with the Lord on her side.
There is emotion in knowing this is her final season in blue and white. The uniform represents more than a team. It represents family, faith, and four years of growth.
But while her collegiate playing career may be nearing its end, her journey in softball is far from over. Blevins sees coaching in her future. She carries a passion for teaching and a desire to pour into younger generations the way so many have poured into her.
The glove may eventually come off, but her love for the game, and her commitment to shaping the next generation will remain.
For Ansley Blevins, softball has never just been about performance. It's been about purpose.
To help support athletes like Tyler, please consider giving to the Champions Annual Fund. This fund is designed to help our student-athletes by providing educational and athletic opportunities for student-athletes from scholarships and academic support to housing and nutrition.
Blevins grew up in Jasper, Tennessee playing ball alongside her brother, Braden, spending countless hours on fields that would shape not only her skills but her character. Sports were a constant in her household. Her grandfather, Al Raffo, pitched professionally for the Philadelphia Phillies, setting a powerful example of what dedication to the game could look like.
From an early age, MTSU held a special place in her heart. Her mother, Angie Blevins competed in volleyball at Middle Tennessee State University, and her uncle played baseball.
When it came time to choose a college, she didn't just see a softball program, she saw a university she trusted.
She knew that MTSU would challenge her not only athletically but academically. More importantly, she felt confident in the foundation she had built with the coaching staff. The trust was mutual. The vision was clear.
Through life's highest highs and lowest lows, softball has remained her outlet. The field became a place of release, reflection, and resilience. Yet even more meaningful than the game itself has been the bond with her teammates. It's because of them, she says, that she knows she will always have a support system to lean on. Wins and losses fade, but relationships endure.
As her senior season unfolds, Blevins isn't focused on statistics. It doesn't matter to her how many runners she throws out from behind the plate or how many home runs she hits.
Her goal is far simpler, and far deeper.
She wants to walk away from MTSU happy. She wants to know she gave everything she had. She wants to be remembered as the best teammate and player she could possibly be.
Above all, she wants people to know she never played alone. Her faith has been her anchor. She proudly says she has always played with the Lord on her side.
There is emotion in knowing this is her final season in blue and white. The uniform represents more than a team. It represents family, faith, and four years of growth.
But while her collegiate playing career may be nearing its end, her journey in softball is far from over. Blevins sees coaching in her future. She carries a passion for teaching and a desire to pour into younger generations the way so many have poured into her.
The glove may eventually come off, but her love for the game, and her commitment to shaping the next generation will remain.
For Ansley Blevins, softball has never just been about performance. It's been about purpose.
To help support athletes like Tyler, please consider giving to the Champions Annual Fund. This fund is designed to help our student-athletes by providing educational and athletic opportunities for student-athletes from scholarships and academic support to housing and nutrition.
Players Mentioned
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