Amanda Asay of Prince George, the longest-serving member of the Baseball Canada Women’s National Team program, has died.
She was just 33.
According to Baseball Canada, she succumbed to her injuries following a skiing accident on Friday (January 7th) in Nelson.
Avalanche Canada noted the danger rating for the Kootenay Boundary, which includes Nelson was considered high on the day of the incident.
Asay, who was part of the national team since 2005 as a pitcher and first baseman, participated in the Women’s National Team Showcase last summer in Trois-Rivières, Québec.
In addition, she was part of national teams that captured five WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup medals and also played a key role in Canada’s silver medal performance at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.
“This is really difficult news for our Women’s National Team program,” said Baseball Canada’s André Lachance who managed Asay on various national teams from 2005-2018. “Amanda was an amazing person who meant a great deal to our program. She was a competitor who possessed all of the characteristics that you look for in a baseball player. She was versatile, intelligent, and competitive who rose to the challenge on many occasions.
“Above all, she was a terrific person who will leave a lasting impact on many people, not only with the Women’s National Team program but all of those who were lucky enough to meet her.”
Asay, one of the most talented athletes that has called Prince George home, played hockey and softball for Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island for three seasons (2006-2009) while earning a Bachelor’s in Science.
She continued her studies at the University of British Columbia where she attained a master’s in science and Ph.D. in forestry while playing two seasons for the Thunderbirds hockey team.
Asay was loved by her coaches and teammates alike for her positive attitude and the way in which she went about her business on the field, always being in control and setting an example for others with her play.
“Amanda was a one-of-a-kind teammate, the type of player and person who you loved to compete with every game,” said Ashley Stephenson who played 14 seasons with Asay on the national team and coached her for two. “Under the circumstances, I cannot put into words how tragic this loss is for everyone who knew Amanda. My thoughts at this time and my heart go out to her family.”
The Baseball Canada family is grieving following the tragic passing of longtime Women’s National Team member Amanda Asay.
Our hearts and thoughts are with Amanda’s family at this truly difficult time.
? https://t.co/5rJwC5peSA pic.twitter.com/w2ov1seCk2
— Baseball Canada ??⚾️ (@baseballcanada) January 9, 2022
With files from Baseball Canada