Ashleigh Oestreicher '21 Recruiting Profile

I only started volleyball two years ago. Before that I had my heart set on gymnastics, I had done it for eight years and I was sure that was what I wanted to continue to do and eventually compete in college for. Then everything changed.  I had to make the hardest decision of my life. Gymnastics just wasn't fun for me anymore and I had to decide if it was worth it to keep going with the sport I loved but didn't enjoy anymore or to find something new. Ultimately, I did what was best for me and quit. Only a few weeks after that my twin sister encouraged me to go to a summer volleyball practice at our high school. I was pretty skeptical about it but decided to go. I was not expecting to find something that fit the missing puzzle piece in my heart as gymnastics did so soon. But volleyball immediately did. And the rest is history. I could never imagine my life without it now. Every year I love it more and more as my passion and skill grows and develops even further.

I want to contribute my love and passion for the sport into the next stage in my life. Playing at the collegiate level is something I have dreamt of since the second I stepped on the court.  I feel so lucky to have the consistent support of my family, teammates, coaches, and community. Knowing that gives me my drive and passion to never settle for less. I am a natural leader and chose to lead by example while always supporting my teammates and having their backs. I have a very teachable spirit and always strive to be the hardest worker on the team. I am generally a very positive person and chose to see the kindness and potential in everyone. 

As a type one diabetic, I have more obstacles to tackle along the path of life. Having this illness for ten years has made me a much stronger person and has taught me an immense amount of lessons. I have learned that you are only confined to the walls you build yourself. I don't let it control my life and I use it as a way to educate others and a way to push myself harder and prove to myself that nothing can stop me from achieving my goals.

At school, I study super hard and maintain a 3.74 GPA. Other than volleyball, I have participated in track and field, student council, National Honors Society, mock trial, and stage crew. In terms of interests, I enjoy graphic design and art, cooking and baking, doing community service, and spending time with my family and friends. 

I want to go to a college where I can not only push myself on the court but in the classroom. I am open-minded to all options and hope to ultimately find the right college fit at the highest level of competition possible. I hope to become a great inspiration to my peers,  just like by role models are to me, and to make my parents proud, as well as be a great teammate and the best athlete I can be.