Ashley Easley '23 Recruiting Profile

I’m Ashley, the starting goalie for my high school and club teams.  I started playing water polo three years ago when I entered high school. I had played the goalie position for soccer, so I thought I’d give it a try in water.  I knew at once water polo was my passion!

Living in San Antonio where water polo was not yet a UIL sport and club teams had difficulty staying together, I joined the Longhorn water polo club team and commuted to Austin twice weekly to get added training and practice. Since then, the Alamo Area water polo team has taken on strong, and I am proud to be a part of that team!

I’ve taken advantage of every USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program (ODP) training opportunity and earned a spot on the Southwest Zone team where I competed in Salt Lake City (West Region Championships) and then in the Tri-Valley area of California for the 2022 ODP National Championships.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many talented individuals and learning something from everyone.

If I had to describe what sets me apart, I’d say it is my tenacity to improve and succeed. When I was in 7^th grade, I broke my neck and had to sit out of swim for 1 ½ years. It was hard to sit out of swim and watch my friends improve. Once I received the ok from my doctors to get back into physical activity, I decided I would get back into swim and catch-up. I trained hard to earn a spot on our incredibly competitive high school team. Not only did I letter my first year, but I was also introduced to water polo, my newfound passion! My coaches always comment on how coachable I am and that I’m a great coach in the field.

I would love to continue my water polo journey by playing at a NCAA college or university. Academics is also important to me as I want to pursue a career in sports medicine or sports therapy. Having gone through a traumatic experience myself, I’ve always appreciated the care and professionalism that was extended to me.  I want to pay that forward to others.  I’m looking for a college or university that is going to stretch me academically, athletically, and help me become the best person I can be.