Ashlynn Gilhula '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ashlynn Gilhula and I am currently a grade 12 student at Stratford District Secondary School located in Stratford Ontario.  I am the youngest of four children, and am the most competitive of my siblings, aiming to excel at all that I set out to do.

I am a dual sport athlete competing in both track and field and volleyball.  Track is my passion! I discovered how much I love to run (and to win)while competing for my school team.  I sought out a club team in order to continue developing my skills and joined Laurel Creek Track Club in Waterloo Ontario in 2017.  With Laurel Creek I was able to compete at both the Athletics Ontario Provincial Championships and twice at the Royal Canadian Legion Youth Nationals where I gained valuable competitive experience and obtained personal bests.  Earning the opportunity to compete in the 100m at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) in my midget year of high school was definitely a highlight of my track career.  I also competed at the Ontario Summer Games in 2018, helping Team East win gold on the track.  On the volleyball court, I am a force at the net, playing middle, outside or setting.  I have played 5 seasons with Stratford Volleyball Club, in Stratford Ontario and am currently a member of the Forest City Volleyball Club in London Ontario.  In November 2018 I suffered a patella dislocation which resulted in medial patella femoral ligament reconstruction surgery in July 2019.  My drive to return to my sports is evident in my determination and dedication to my rehabilitation exercises in order to regain my strength, balance and flexibility which will allow me to return to both the track and court safely and 100% healthy.

I am a high achiever when it comes to my academics, taking a variety of courses.  I am a well-balanced student playing in the school band, singing in the choir, developing leadership skills on school council, and representing my school on the volleyball and badminton courts, as well as the track.  My future academic goals are to achieve a post-secondary education in health sciences and kinesiology that will lead me to becoming a physiotherapist.  I wish to help others return to sport following injury and to help improve others’ quality of life through health and movement pain free.

Aside from my academics and athletics, I enjoy photography, filming, editing and creating documentaries and videos.  I volunteer frequently with local charities at special events and have a part-time job.  I am able to manage my time well, so that I can take part in my many interests.

My goal is to attend a well-recognized college so that I can obtain a post secondary degree while competing with a great track team.  I feel that I would be able to help the team win championships while improving my personal skills.