Confidence is one of the most powerful tools an athlete can have — and few players have embodied that more fully than AJ Andrews.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with the first female Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner and one of the most dynamic personalities in softball for a conversation about confidence, identity, and breaking barriers in the game. AJ shares how one diving play helped put her on the radar of LSU Softball, why swagger has always been a part of the way she competes, and how the lessons she learned growing up continue to shape the way she carries herself today.
This episode is a powerful reminder that athletes do not have to make themselves smaller to be accepted — they can compete boldly, take up space, and lead with presence.
How One Play Can Change Everything
Sometimes one moment can shift the trajectory of a career.
AJ reflects on the diving play that helped college coaches start paying attention to her and how that moment became part of the story that eventually led her to LSU. More importantly, she explains that the play itself was only part of it — what really mattered was the confidence, effort, and style with which she played the game.
Her story reminds athletes that big opportunities often begin with fully committing to the moment in front of you.
The Power of Swagger
One of the defining themes of this conversation is AJ’s belief in the power of swagger.
For AJ, swagger is not about arrogance. It is about belief, self-respect, and competing with a sense of ownership in who you are. She shares why playing with confidence helped unlock her best performance and why she believes athletes, especially young women, should not be afraid to show up boldly.
That mindset has made her not only an elite competitor, but also an empowering voice in the sport.
Learning Presence From Her Father
AJ also reflects on the influence her father had on the way she moves through the world.
He taught her to walk into every room with confidence and commanding presence — not because she needed to prove something, but because she belonged there. Those lessons shaped both the athlete and the person she became, and they continue to inform the way she leads, competes, and inspires others.
Breaking Barriers Beyond the Field
In addition to her on-field accomplishments, AJ shares how she is continuing to break new ground through her work beyond the game, including the launch of her podcast and the expansion of her brand.
Her willingness to be visible, authentic, and bold continues to open doors for the next generation of athletes.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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How one standout moment can create opportunity
Why effort, confidence, and timing all matter. -
What swagger really means in competition
Competing with confidence, not arrogance. -
How presence can shape performance and identity
Walking into spaces like you belong there. -
The role family can play in building confidence
Lessons that stay with athletes far beyond sport. -
How AJ continues to break barriers beyond the field
Expanding her voice and impact through media and leadership.
About
AJ Andrews
AJ Andrews is a former LSU softball standout and the first woman ever to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in softball. Known for her incredible defensive plays, magnetic presence, and unwavering confidence, she became one of the most recognizable athletes in the sport while helping push softball into new spaces.
Today, AJ continues to inspire athletes through media, storytelling, and advocacy, using her voice and platform to encourage the next generation to compete boldly and embrace who they are.
Connect with AJ:
Instagram: @aj_andrews_
TikTok: @theajandrews
