Ashley Gillies '23 Recruiting Profile

As a figure skater who competed for about five years before turning to the “dark side” I can confidently say ice hockey is a much better sport. The competitiveness, the skill, and the hard work are what drew me to it. I began my first year playing with a local travel team called the Navy 16U Rams. I quickly learned to move my feet and keep my head up. I realized I was behind the game and got to work. With stick handling, film, off-ice and giving every ice session my 100% when I was tired or didn’t want to practice, taught me hard work can beat any number of years. After COVID hit, all the girls hockey programs in my area shut down. I had no choice but to try and keep my skills while not touching the ice. Although I spent many hours outside with a stick and a net, the on-ice presence still wasn’t there. I asked my mom about the possibility of attending a prep-school to have a higher level of the sport and an opportunity to play throughout the epidemic. She told me she wanted me to do my own research, apply, and connect with the coach, so I did. Two weeks after applying, I found myself in New York, 400 miles away from home, playing hockey. I continued to do so from my sophomore year until I plan on graduating in June 2023. After playing hockey, I realized how important it is to not only show integrity and put in the work when nobody's looking but to hold yourself and your teammates accountable. I look to be able to continue my habits while playing college hockey and developing my skills further.