Ashley Salas '22 Recruiting Profile

Volleyball is my passion.  I love to play even though I am only 5 ft 6 inches.   During my freshman year of high school, I was placed on the Freshman B volleyball team.  I was devastated, but it drove me to focus on becoming a better athlete.  I am not very tall, but I love to compete, so I play tall and work harder because I know my height puts me at a bit of a disadvantage.  I am a very determined player and always try to do my best. 

I am a competitor on and off the court.  I am an A/B student with a 3.38 GPA and I believe that being a student athlete adds to my success in the class room and on the court, helping me be mentally tough.   

A unique characteristic I have is that I am patient with people and myself.  I understand that everyone makes mistakes and that it's okay to make them.  It is all about how you recover from the mistake.  I believe any progress is good progress.   I cheer on my team and encourage all of my teammates to be better.   I am very supportive of others and try to pick them up when they are feeling down and are not having a good game.  It takes all of us to be successful and I know it's not one person who wins or loses a game.  

I am always asking questions; I love to absorb the coaches knowledge and make the adjustments and apply it on the court.  I was voted most coach-able athlete by our head coach during my freshman and sophomore high school volleyball seasons.   I am a versatile athlete, I am quick, so I have played the setter and defensive positions. Because of my vertical, I play front row as a hitter and sometime a middle blocker.  On my club teams I play front and back row, (defensively in the right back and middle back positions).  Playing in multiple positions helps me to be a better all around and smarter player on the court.  I am not afraid to play where I am needed.  I aspire to improve and be great at whatever I am doing.    

When I am not playing volleyball, I run varsity track (freshman - junior year).  I was voted newcomer of the year as a freshman and advanced to the Area meet in our division (6A) for 300 meter hurdles and the 4 x 400 meter relay team.  My sophomore season was cancelled due to COVID-19, my junior year I made it to district in the 200 meter individual race and our 4x200 relay team made it to regionals (6A) finishing 6th over-all and our 4x400 meter relay team made it to area, placing 5th overall.  I also play beach volleyball, and have competed in several tournaments over the past 3 years.  

When I am not participating in sporting activities, I hang out with my friends and family, and enjoy  listening to music and hobbies such as baking, thrifting, painting and drawing. 

I am considering a major in Psychology, pre-law or something in visual arts.   I know whatever I do, I want to make a difference and help others.