Ashely Wanke '29 Recruiting Profile

I am currently an 8th grader at Pecatonica Middle School and I LOVE running track.  I have always had a natural talent when it comes to running fast.  My family quickly recognized my talent and encouraged me to run track in 6th grade.  I found success my first year running.  I broke multiple school records and made it to state.  In my 7th grade year I broke school records in all my events, 4x100, 4x400, 100, and 200.  I made it to the IESA 3A State meet in all my events again.  I placed 5th in the 200 and my relay team took first in both relays and even broke the 3A State record for the 4x400.  In my 8th grade year I again broke thr school record for the 200. I went to state for the 100, 200, and 4x400. With two 6th graders running in our relay we took 5th place! We were very proud. 

All of these accomplishments aside, I am a great candidate for a team because I always encouraging my teammates, striving to improve my times during the season and the off season, and I am coachable.  

Running a relay or an individual event, I understand I am better when those around me are stronger. Before every race my teammates and I will huddle up, pray and encourage each other. We push ourselves and each other to be our best.  First and foremost the team must be strong! When the team is strong physically, mentally, and united, individuals can reach their full potential.  This is something that I strive to bring to every sport and team that I am on.

My dedication to the sport isn't just during the regular season. During the off season you will find me working with a personal trainer conditioning and strength training. You will also find me doing sprints on my road working to improve my times.  I have created very high personal time goals for myself and I am not afraid to do the hard work to accomplish these goals.

I have often been told what coaches appreciate about me most is that I listen and apply their coaching.  This started at a young age when doing tumbling. When working to improve my back handspring, my coach was impressed how I would apply her coaching and was relentless in my pursuits to master the skill.  When waiting to rotate in when playing volleyball you won't find me on the bench talking and laughing with my teammates.  You will find me sitting near the coach, watching the game and listening to her coaching advice to the other players, knowing that same advice will help me develop as a player.  During the track season I am always asking and listening on how to improve my starts and form, how to gain speed, and learning how to become quicker and cleaner with our hand offs.