Ashton Whidden enters her first season as a graduate assistant coach for the Franklin Pierce University softball program in 2012.

Whidden comes to Franklin Pierce following an impressive playing career at St. Leo University in Florida (2008-11). She pitched for St. Leo all four seasons, including putting together a 16-15 record with a 2.76 earned run average during her junior season in 2010. She made 34 appearances that season with 30 starts, including throwing an impressive 200.2 innings.

Whidden posted an ERA below 3.0 during three of her four seasons, including a 1.62 mark as a freshman in 2008. She also logged two saves as a senior.

A native of Sarasota, Fla., Whidden earned her bachelor's degree in political science.