Ashley Aven, the Meadowdale High School softball player whose battle with leukemia inspired many, died early Sunday morning. She was 18.

Her death was announced on the family's online journal.

"Ashley is not suffering anymore she is resting," her family wrote. "We love you Ashley."

Aven was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2009 and underwent several rounds of chemotherapy.

She was unable to attend school her senior year, but stayed in contact with her teammates on the softball team, often sitting on the Meadowdale bench during games. Mavericks coach Dennis Hopkins continued to list her name on the lineup card as one of his substitutes.

"She's my inspiration," Meadowdale senior first baseman Courtney Hook said in April. "I never really know ahead of time if she's coming to practice. But when I see her, she just makes me excited to play. ... She's an amazing girl. I've always respected her, but my respect has just gone up so much because she's so strong."

In May, Aven threw out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game.

Memorial plans are pending.