Resiliency and Adaptability
Making it to the highest level of the sport requires frequent travel at a global level. “As a military kid I was used to adapting to wherever I was. You need to look for common threads in a new life compared to an old life,” she says. “Now, 21 years into my skating career, it’s helped because I can go to a new country, and maybe it doesn’t feel like home, but I’m so used to adapting to wherever I am I think it gives me an upper hand when I’m competing.”
Ashley’s competition resume is impressive. She’s a three-time U.S. National Champion, an Olympic bronze medalist in the team event and has medaled in the world championships, to name just a few accolades. Her sights are set on the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang.
“I am not the most talented figure skater out there, but I am one of the most hardworking,” she says of her success. “I don’t pay attention to anyone who tells me I can’t do something. I’ll work as hard as I need to.”
Ashley watched Tara Lipinski skate to gold in the 1998 Olympics. “We were in Fort Leavenworth at the time and watching her win that gold, she didn’t look much older than me. She was the athlete that made me want to go to the Olympics; she made it seem like a medal was attainable.”
As Ashley progressed in the sport, she developed a deep respect for Michelle Kwan. “Longevity is so rare in this sport,” she says. “It’s dominated by younger girls and rare to see a familiar face for years. Michelle is a legend; how can you not respect someone who can do that?”
Ashley herself is becoming a legend of sorts in figure skating. At only 25 years old, she’s considered a seasoned veteran by some on the competition circuit. “Some skaters have a short shelf life,” she says. “I have outlived many young athletes’ careers in this sport so far because of my determination, resilience and respect for figure skating. I know my strengths and weaknesses and what I need to work on. I have a select group who I pay attention to their opinions and the rest is just noise. That’s helped me keep a grip on this whole skating thing.”
