From dazzling fans as part of the Savannah Bananas’ high-energy Banana Ball showcase to powering Ole Miss Softball on its historic march to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS), Lansdell has proven that her story is about more than just athletic ability. It’s about resilience, creativity, and carving out a trail that’s uniquely her own…

In the world of sports, few journeys are as unconventional—or as inspiring—as that of Ashton Lansdell. From dazzling fans as part of the Savannah Bananas’ high-energy Banana Ball showcase to powering Ole Miss Softball on its historic march to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS), Lansdell has proven that her story is about more than just athletic ability. It’s about resilience, creativity, and carving out a trail that’s uniquely her own.

From Banana Ball to the Big Stage

For most athletes, the path to the WCWS involves years of travel ball, high school dominance, and a straight shot into the highly competitive world of Division I softball. Lansdell, however, added a twist to that narrative.

In 2024, she became a standout feature for the Savannah Bananas, the team famous for rewriting baseball’s playbook with dancing infielders, trick plays, and a circus-like atmosphere that turns the diamond into a stage. Lansdell’s presence was groundbreaking—one of the first women to take the field for the Bananas in their traveling spectacle.

Fans quickly fell in love with her charisma and skill. Whether she was flipping the bat after a walk, dancing between innings, or flashing quick hands at shortstop, Lansdell turned heads. More importantly, she turned stereotypes on their head. “Playing for the Bananas wasn’t just about fun,” she said in a recent interview. “It was about showing people that women belong in every corner of the game.”

Choosing Ole Miss

While her stint with the Bananas gave her national attention, Lansdell had bigger ambitions. Softball was always her true passion, and the University of Mississippi came calling with the opportunity to compete in the SEC—the toughest conference in college softball.

Lansdell committed to Ole Miss in late 2024, eager to test her talents against the best in the nation. At first, the transition from the colorful chaos of Banana Ball to the rigor of Division I athletics seemed daunting. The Bananas had taught her to embrace joy and creativity on the field, but Ole Miss demanded discipline, grit, and relentless focus.

“Honestly, I felt like I had to prove myself all over again,” Lansdell admitted. “Some people thought I was just a sideshow, like I wasn’t serious about the sport. But every practice, every rep, I worked to show that I was ready for this stage.”

Her freshman season in 2025 silenced the critics. By midseason, Lansdell had established herself as a defensive anchor in the infield and a sparkplug at the top of the lineup. She combined her Banana Ball flair with a growing maturity, making her one of the Rebels’ most dynamic players.

The WCWS Breakthrough

The 2026 season became historic for Ole Miss Softball—and Lansdell was at the heart of it. The Rebels stormed through the regular season, secured their place in the NCAA Tournament, and rode a wave of momentum all the way to Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series.

For Lansdell, it was a dream realized. In a nationally televised matchup during the Super Regionals, she delivered the defining play of her career so far: a diving stop deep in the hole at shortstop, followed by a laser throw to first to end the game and send Ole Miss to the WCWS for only the second time in program history.

The play instantly went viral, with fans dubbing her the “Banana to Bomber” for the way she combined showmanship with pure softball excellence.

“At that moment, everything connected—my time with the Bananas, my decision to come to Ole Miss, all the work behind the scenes,” Lansdell said. “It wasn’t just about me. It was about our whole team proving that we belonged.”

A New Kind of Role Model

Lansdell’s story is resonating with young athletes far beyond Oxford, Mississippi. In an age where sports are often divided into rigid categories—men’s, women’s, professional, amateur—she’s showing that talent and passion can cross boundaries.

Her time with the Savannah Bananas wasn’t a detour; it was a foundation. It taught her how to embrace the spotlight, handle criticism, and bring joy to a game often defined by pressure. That same energy has made her a fan favorite at Ole Miss, where kids line up after games for autographs and TikTok dance videos with their new idol.

Head Coach Jamie Trachsel praised Lansdell’s impact: “She’s fearless. She brings creativity and a sense of fun that’s contagious, but she also works harder than anyone. Ashton’s journey is proof that the road to greatness doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.”

Looking Ahead

As Ole Miss fights for a WCWS title, Lansdell is already thinking about the bigger picture. She hopes her career inspires more women to take risks, chase unconventional opportunities, and never feel boxed in by tradition.

“When I was with the Bananas, I learned to play the game with joy,” Lansdell reflected. “At Ole Miss, I learned to play the game with purpose. Now, I’m bringing those two things together.”

Whether she’s dancing on a baseball diamond or diving across a softball infield, Ashton Lansdell has proven that her trailblazing spirit isn’t a gimmick—it’s greatness in the making.

And as she continues her journey at the WCWS, one thing is clear: the girl who once flipped bats with the Savannah Bananas is now flipping the script for the future of softball.