Ashley Ashbaugh
Hinsdale
What made you want to play flag football?
I've always wanted to play a school sport. I've been playing hockey my entire life. I do play on a high school team that is considered the school team, but there are six other teams that are part of it. When I saw flag football was coming in, I thought that would be awesome. I think girls that play sports grow up to be good leaders. I think it's awesome how girls sports are evolving from where they were.
What have you enjoyed about is so far?
I love the coaches - coach (Nick) Gebhart and coach (Maria) Cotter and coach (Jan) Podgorni and I think they care a lot about the girls and growing them not only as good athletes but good humans. I think the girls who are on the team are very fun to be around and make getting up at 4:45 a.m. worth it.
What position do you play?
Defense, a middle blocker. I also come out and play safety on some of the plays.
What is most challenging aspect?
Since it is a first-year sport for our school, I think it's just trying to learn the different rules and trying to learn how to guard your person and learning how to do different routes that I've never done before.
Do you have any pre-game routines?
I always need to stretch before a game. I can never go without stretching. I always text my mom right before and tell her I love her.
What is your goal for the season?
To have fun with my teammates. There are freshmen on the team who have never played a sport before or never played this sport. I'm trying to be a good leader, showing them what hard work looks like and what leadership looks like.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I've lived in four different states. I was born in Austin, Texas, then I lived in St. Louis and Portland, Ore., and now here.
Why does coach Nick Gebhart like having Ashbaugh on the team?
She was one of the first girls who were vocal about starting a team. She helped organize open gyms for girls to start learning the game. She's a multisport athlete who is always a pleasure to be around.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
