Ashlynn Galvin '23 Recruiting Profile

Basketball has served as a cornerstone in many areas of my life. While I still am not fully aware of all the things it has taught and developed in me, I will still attempt to describe the unique characteristics I am aware of.

As a freshman, I was called on to be the defensive leader for my varsity team. During this time I was tasked with guarding the best players of each team we played against. Through this challenge I learned that any goal worth striving towards is worth 100% of my effort and attention. This ultimately led to me being named the district Newcomer of the Year and Big Country Defensive Player of the Year. Through this experience I began to have an increased awareness that the amount of dedication and effort you put into something is directly tied to the amount of return.

Basketball also taught me the significance in overcoming obstacles.  Starting on the varsity team as a freshman, I found myself in the unusual situation as people and even teammates tried to tear me down because of my success. This emotional obstacle required me to develop a mental toughness early on in my varsity career. As the year progressed to the last game of district play, I strained my Achilles.  I had to work extremely hard in rehab and push through large amounts of pain in order to be able to return after only missing one game in our playoff run which eventually ended at the regional semi-finals.  This physical obstacle made me push the limits of my comfort zone and strengthened the desire in me to not allow anything to hold me back. 

I have learned that these issues did not destroy me but rather have been a springboard for growth and development.  I am thankful for these experiences, because through these challenging stages I was able to learn, refine and grow who I was as both a person and an athlete. I learned how to be determined, focused, and to always maintain a never give up attitude.  I learned that great things in life usually have to be earned with hard work and countless hours behind the scenes.  I learned that when I fully devote myself to achieving goals, I can accomplish great things. 

Finally, because of the impact basketball has had on my life, I want to continue to play at the collegiate level and eventually go on to being a coach where I can pass on the lessons I have learned and to be able to give back to the sport that has given me so much.