I had to overcome the expectations of being Maddi's sister. She's such an amazing athlete and has accomplished so many things that it can be pretty hard not to live in her shadow. I've had to work hard to prove myself and show that I'm not just 'Maddi's little sister', I'm Ally and I can stand on my own.

Ally Shipman, a 2018 catcher who plays for the So Cal Choppers, will be making her way to the plate at Tennessee in less than two years.

Ally's sister, Madison Shipman is a former Tennessee All-American Shortstop who was the 2014 Honda Sports Award winner for softball and was the No. 2 overall pick in the National Pro Fastpitch Draft. Expect big things from Ally, a 2018 Hot 100 ranked catcher, who will no doubt shake things up in the college world.

"I am so excited," Ally says. "I can't wait to put on that orange uniform and play for Tennessee! I've been committed for so long that it feels like I've been waiting forever. I can't believe I'm already a year and a half away from being there."



Ally committed in the eighth grade at the Southern California Outback Steakhouse. She was sitting away from Vol coaches Ralph and Karen Weekly, but definitely made her presence known. When Karen opened her bill, she found a note written by Ally:

It's great to be a Lady Vol… and that's what I want to be! -- Ally.

Ally Shipman

Grad Year: 2020
Position: Catcher
College: Tennessee
Club Team: So Cal Choppers
High School: Valencia High School (Santa Clarita, CA)
**2016 CIF Foothill League Champions


What are your plans for the rest of your high school career? I plan to improve and get better every year. Also, I want to win a CIF Championship!

What have been some of your favorite club tournaments? PGF Nationals last year was so much fun! My team really bonded together and we did amazing. Also, IDT in Colorado is always a great time.

What has been your biggest accomplishment--or one you're the most proud of--in softball? I think my biggest accomplishment is receiving a scholarship to play softball at the highest level.

Are you nervous about leaving California? Actually, I'm not nervous at all! My sister already lives out there and my parents are going to move out too. The only thing I'll miss will be the beach.

What is your family like? We're very competitive! We're also very close and we like to dance randomly. We crack a lot of jokes and it's always a blast when my whole family is together.



Do you know what you want to study? I either want to be a Veterinarian or study sports medicine. I still can't decide between the two.

What are your ultimate dreams/goals? My ultimate softball dream is to play in the Olympics and to win the Women's College World Series.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why? My biggest inspiration is actually my sister, Maddi. I've grown up watching her play and she's always inspired me to be the best that I can be on and off the field.

How would your family and friends describe you? I think my friends and family would describe me as funny, confident, competitive, smart, and silly.

Off the field, where would we find you if you have a weekend free? You would either find me at the beach, shopping, or at Disneyland.

If you were stuck on an island, what's the one thing you'd have to have? I think I'd bring another person to keep me company.

What is your favorite movie? I love the Harry Potter movie series.

What is your favorite food? My favorite food is either sushi or crab.

Who are some of your favorite softball players? Some of my favorite softball players include Rainey Gaffin, Cat Osterman, and Maddi Shipman.

What is your favorite pro football team? My favorite pro football team is the Cleveland Browns...I know they aren't very good. It's a family thing.

Why does your family like the Cleveland Browns?
We had a family member who actually played for the Browns. Because of this, my dad and my brother became really big fans so it kind of just rubbed off on me.

What's the best advice you've ever received? The best advice I've ever received was not to be afraid to fail.

What does softball mean to you? Softball is more than just a sport to me. It has allowed me to meet some of my best friends and has given me the opportunity to follow my dreams.

What do you want for Christmas? For Christmas I asked for a new purse!




Related

Brentt Eads Interviews Ally and Madison Shipman (Nov. 2014)