LEXINGTON, Ky. ? University of Kentucky softball coach Rachel Lawson announced the hiring of former Wildcat standout Ashley Fertic as assistant coach, Thursday. Fertic joins the staff as an assistant coach after spending the 2008 season as a volunteer assistant coach.

?A University is always proud of the loyalty exuded by one of their athletes anytime that they choose to work immediately with their former program,? Lawson said. ?In addition, I have come to find that Ashley is intelligent, hardworking, thoughtful and wise beyond her years. I have no doubt that she will prove to be a remarkable addition to our coaching staff.?

While as a student, Fertic served as the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was named the 2007 Miss Wildcat at Kentucky?s fifth annual Catspy Awards. The honor goes to one student-athlete for their all-around excellence in athletics, academics, character, and service. Fertic was also the Brad Davis Community Service female nominee from UK. She volunteered her time working at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and has worked serving meals at Lexington?s Hope Center.

For her dedication in the community, Fertic was named to the SEC Community Service team for two consecutive years. The Valrico, Fla., native was a part of the Cats Cultivating Character program which is a character development program for young people and worked at the YMCA and Northern Elementary Fall Festivals. She worked at the local God?s Pantry Support Drive and was an instructor in the winter and spring free softball clinics on campus.

Fertic was also a 2006 inductee into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character which honors those who exemplify the term student-athlete. Selection into this organization is the highest honor UK?s athletics department bestows on its student-athletes.

A four-time member of the Dean?s List and Athletic Director Honor Roll, she was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society and received ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors as a junior.

In addition to her many accomplishments, Fertic finished her career ranked in the top-10 in many statistical categories. She capped out in fifth all-time at UK with 12 career home runs. Fertic finished eighth all-time at UK in triples and ninth in RBI and doubles at the end of her career.