Former Seaman softball slugger is "excited" to be a Ichabod

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - Another familiar face will step onto the diamond for the Ichabod softball next season.

Former Seaman High School standout Aspen Burgardt has transferred to Washburn from Johnson County Community College.

"I'm excited to be back in Topeka," Burgardt said. "I think I'm going to have a lot of support on my back with my friends and family being back in Topeka."

The two-time Kansas 5A All-State infielder racked up the accolades during her time as a Viking. She was a two-time Sports in Kansas All-State selection, and two-time All-Centennial League selection. She helped lead Seaman to a 5A East Region title and a state tournament birth her junior season.

The junior infielder will bring offensive power to the squad with two years of collegiate experience under her belt. Burgardt was named the KJCCC Division II Player of the Week in the opening week of her sophomore season, helping lead the seventh-ranked Cavaliers to a 3-1 record at the Branson JUCO Jam. She hit .545, scoring 10 runs and 12 RBI.

"I'm especially excited to move up to the next level hitting wise," said Burgardt. "But I know I will bring great leadership to the table."

Washburn head coach Brenda Holaday says she's excited to plug her bat into the middle of the 'Bods lineup.

"I mean she's a natural leader out there," said Holaday. "She brings energy, she's a corner kid. When she steps into the box there's some intimidation there. I mean if you're a pitcher or on defense, you know you've got a hitter on your hands."

Burgardt has her goals set for the upcoming season—being the best teammate both on and off the field.

"I'm striving to be one of the best teammates I can be," Burgardt said. "As well as just prove myself, and really bring to Washburn what Johnson County taught me.

She's the third former Cavalier to join the Ichabod's roster.