Gray Collegiate softball star Aspen Boulware has big dreams for her future, and they don’t stop at college ball.  

“ I want to be the greatest,” she said. “ I want to go out there and do things people don't do.”

As a sophomore, Boulware is drawing interest from many Division I softball teams. She has succeeded at every level she’s played and has her eyes set on Olympic glory. 

For many high school athletes, that may sound out of reach. But Boulware is on track to make her dream a reality. 

Boulware has already led Team U.S.A. to gold at the U15 softball World Cup, while winning MVP in the process. 

 ”It was definitely something that I've never experienced before,” Boulware said. “ I don't want to say pressure, but I want to be successful because on that team, you mess up a little bit and you're out.”

She will represent her country again at the U18 World Cup later this year, giving her another opportunity to test her skills against the best in the world. But before she takes on the international stage, Boulware still has a state title to defend at Gray. 

The War Eagles won their second softball state championship in 2024, and Boulware was a big reason why.  Gray, now in a higher classification, began its postseason journey this week with another title in its sights. 

“Obviously, we want to win,” Boulware said. “ If we all just like mesh together, it’s an amazing team.” 

Boulware’s desire for success ties a lot into her upbringing. She comes from an athletic family and a successful one. 

Her father, Michael Boulware, played in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings. He played college football at Florida State, where he earned multiple All-ACC honors and a spot on the 2003 All-American third team. 

At Florida State, he met his wife, Jessica, one of the greatest softball players in school history. Jessica was named USA Softball Player of the Year and won the Honda Award as a senior in 2004. She was the back-to-back ACC Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004 and was also a multiple-time first-team All-American selection

Jessica led the Seminoles to the Women’s College World Series in 2002 and 2004. During the 50th anniversary of the ACC, the top 50 softball players in league history were named and Jessica was chosen for the list

“ It's really nice, like being able to be raised by the best,” Aspen said. “They know so much about the game.”

While her parents’ careers motivate her, Boulware said she doesn't feel any pressure to match their success. 

“ I started off playing softball because my mom played softball,” Boulware said. “ But if I decide I don't wanna play softball, they're not gonna be mad. But if I'm going to commit to something, they want me to obviously do good in what I do. So it's not pressure at all.”

Outside of her parents, Boulware has her brothers, who also play sports. Together they play games, go fishing, four-wheeling and do many other outdoor activities. Growing up around boys shaped Boulware’s childhood experience, and she wouldn’t change a thing.

“ I love my brothers so much. They're just all rough, and I grew up like that,” Boulware said. 

At one point, Boulware had a foster sister. While she loved her foster sister like her own, they were not interested in the same things. 

“ I'm just so used to being around like boys, and so she wants to like paint nails and play with dolls. And I never did that just,” Boulware said. “ I grew up with my brother. So we did like trains and stuff.”

Outside of her brothers, Boulware hangs out with her friends and teammates at Gray. She had made a tight bond with many of her teammates, including ace pitcher Peyton Hendrix. When Gray won the state championship last year, Hendrix was the first person Boulware ran to. 

“ We got to go through that whole thing together, and whenever we won, we ran into each other,” Boulware said. “We were having a lot of success that season. So it was nice to be able to finish out with a win.”

Boulware’s time at Gray has been very beneficial for her softball career. The flexible schedule and teachers made it easier to balance her academic and athletic life. She can use her extra time to do things like work on her game with her mom or spend time with friends before a workout. 

“ I think a big thing is time management and being able to fill each bucket of life, “ Boulware said.

Gray allows her to do that. 

Boulware still has two years after this one at Gray. When her time is up, she hopes she is remembered as a great leader and teammate, regardless of how many accolades and accomplishments she’s earned. 

“ I want to be able to lead by example and help others, like the younger girls,” Boulware said. “It's a game, it’s supposed to be fun, not stressful. So I don't think we should ever play tense. You should have fun and just do you.”

After Gray, Boulware hopes to carry her success into college and earn a spot on the 2028 Olympic team. If all goes to plan, the entire world will soon know the name Aspen Boulware. 

" I want to be as great as I can. A lot of people think that I wake up and I'm good, but it takes a lot of work,” Boulware said.  ”I just hope that I just keep going up.”