Ansley Parr Commits To The University of Montana
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Ansley Parr, a senior at Childress High School, officially announced her commitment to play softball for the University of Montana.
Childress High School senior Ansley Parr will continue her pitching career at the University of Montana, as she recently announced her commitment to play softball at the Division 1 college.
“I’ve dreamed of playing in college since I was little,” Ansley said. “I’m so excited to further my softball career in college!”
Ansley said it’s a very rewarding feeling, especially after putting in all the work she has. On the mound this past year, she pitched 133.2 innings with 307 strikeouts, 51 hits, 16 earned runs and 31 walks.
These stats earned Ansley the District 1-3A MVP honor. She racked up more honors this past year: Texas High School Coaches Association Super Elite Team, THSSB 3A Top 10 K Leaders, THSSB 3A Pitcher of the Week, 2026 Press Pass Sports Softball team, Press Pass Sports Girls Athlete of the Week.
“Getting these awards has been such an honor,” she said. “After all these years of hard work, it’s nice to be recognized.”
When I asked her about the 307 strikeouts, she said, “It’s definitely a big accomplishment, and it helped me build more confidence on the mound. Even so, there’s always room to improve.”
At the plate this past season, Ansley hit .507 with 14 singles, 15 doubles, 1 triple and 5 home runs.
“I feel like this year I definitely stepped it up at the plate,” Ansley said. “Overall, I feel like I had better at bats, but the home runs were just a plus!”
Ansley and the Lady Cats shined this past year, ranking No. 2 in 3A the State. That high ranking made Ansley happy, because it brought the Childress community together.
“Getting that recognition state-wide had a big impact for our program here at Childress High School,” she said. “Not only did it bring in more fans, but it also inspired younger softball players that live all around us.”
Reaching that No. 2 came with commitment.
“I am so proud of our girls and how much work they’ve put in,” she said. “If they didn’t come with the dedication they did at practice every single day, we would never have made it to that spot.”
Ansley said the Lady Cats exceeded everyone’s expectations in district. “Coming out and beating Dalhart 33-0 really made an impression within our district,” she said. “Not only that, but we continued to win all the way through the first round of district. I believe a huge part of these wins was the preparation we had in preseason.”
In preseason, Ansley said the team set the tone for the whole season. “I think playing the competition leading up to district helped us prepare ourselves not only mentally but physically,” she explained.
Ansley said she is blessed to have Coach Bozeman as her coach. “Coach Bozeman has been a great coach all season,” she said. “She’s been the coach Childress High School softball has been needing.
Coach Bozeman knows how to step up and make the right decisions, she added. “She’s had such a huge impact on us that whenever one of us is down during a game, we remind each other that if we can’t push through for ourselves, then we need to do it for her.”
Ansley’s mother Shelby believes this was her best season yet.
“I am very proud of the season Ansley had this year,” Shelby said. “The team as whole did great and accomplished so much, too. They play well together and encourage one other in every aspect of the game.”
While she said the Lady Cats were fun to watch, their season ended too soon. Ansley agreed.
“I feel like this year we were trying to live up to the standard that everyone had placed on us and that left us a little bit shook up,” Ansley explained. “I am disappointed with the outcome of playoffs because I know that we can perform better than we did, but I’m not unhappy with how well we fought to get to our district title.”
Winning district outright was one of the goals the Lady Cats have had the last couple of years, Ansley’s father Grady Parr said.
“It was good to see them accomplish that,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of Ansley, this team as a whole and how they came together to really outperform expectations.”
Ansley described this past season as something special.
“Being able to compete with this team has taught me a lot of valuable lessons that I will take with me beyond high school,” she said. “Also, the fact that we set so many records this year still amazes me. Being a part of this team and leaving that much of a mark on program history is such a blessing.”
Ansley said playing college ball is a big step for her. “A huge thanks to all of the coaching staff of the University of Montana (Coach Kendrick, Coach Stef and Coach Strong) for believing in me!”
