“I thought okay, why not, it’ll be fun,” Ashley said.
This is what Division II commit Ashley Deniker thought when she started playing volleyball. Her career began in the seventh grade when all her friends decided to play. Volleyball quickly turned into something more serious for the player, as she quickly joined the travel team Westmoreland Elite. By her freshman year, Ashley knew she wanted to continue her volleyball career in college.
“I started emailing different colleges starting big, at the D1 schools, which was unrealistic,” said Ashley.
Ashley started her college search with wide horizons, but she eventually decided she didn’t like the feeling she got from a big school, so she set her sights on a smaller target. The student-athlete explored Division II schools like Seton Hill, Pitt at Johnstown, and Shippensburg. On July 28, 2024, Ashley announced that she had committed to Slippery Rock University.
The school’s atmosphere had a big impact on her decision. “I didn’t want to be in the city, or overcrowded like a huge D1 school. I just didn’t want that. I wanted it kind of rural just off to the side,” Ashley said.
A college’s environment can have a big impact on an athlete’s impression of a school, but another important element is the people. The student-athlete is excited for her freshman year because she knows a lot of the girls who will be her future teammates at Slippery Rock.
Another personality that drew Ashley to Slippery Rock was their coach, Laurie Lokash. “The one coach has been there for like thirty-something years, so she has so much experience. I’m excited to be able to get some of that,” said Ashley.
Ashley is ready to dive into her freshman season and soak in all the knowledge she can. Although she doesn’t expect to garner much playing time, she plans to impact the team nonetheless. The senior knows that she’s joining a team that’s already developed and she’s determined to earn her place amongst her teammates.
“[My goal is] is to be the MVP on the bench, you know? The loudest one, the one always cheering, the one that would be bringing snacks, just like being very supportive to the team that’s already been there and already played,” Ashley said.
The road to becoming a college athlete is anything but smooth, Ashley realized this as she climbed through the different levels of volleyball. As the caliber of play increased, the athlete noticed that the size of the players did as well. Ashley reaches 5’10”, which is by no means short, but in relation to the other girls in her position, middle hitter, her height pales in comparison. This has only proven as motivation pushing the hitter to spend her offseason in the gym. “That’s why I try to keep working to try and get stronger, so I can get a higher vertical,” Ashley said.
Ashley wasn’t alone in her desire for improvement. Her Pittsburgh Elite travel coach, Abby Wetzel, tested the player’s skills by making her play every position on the court. Ashley saw this as an opportunity for improvement and didn’t let it go to waste. The athlete believes that coaches have had the greatest impact on her volleyball career, and instances such as this truly prove this point. “She just kept pushing me. She expanded what I could do on the court,” said Ashley.
Another hitch on Ashley’s path to college was injury. In her sophomore year, the hitter suffered back-to-back ankle sprains. These sprains forced her to miss a couple of months of playing time during her second high school season. Upon recovery and being back on the court, injury was thought to be a thing of the past. However, Ashley had to sit out for another couple of weeks during her senior season, this time with a knee strain and a broken nose. Now when the senior is preparing for a game, instead of simply lacing up her volleyball shoes she also dons a knee brace, ankle brace, and face guard.
Ashley’s journey to the collegiate level has also had plenty of highs. The support from her family has definitely been a highlight. The student-athlete felt the love, especially from her mom, who showed up for her daughter throughout her high school and travel career.
“At my tournaments, my mom is my number one supporter,” said Ashley.
Family is very important to the athlete. She’s concerned about the 91 miles between her and her family when she leaves for Slippery Rock. Ashley is her family’s first experience with having a kid move away from home. This is one of her biggest worries as she has never spent copious amounts of time away from her parents.
“I think it’s all gonna be a really hard adjustment for all of us because I’ve never been away from home for that long,” Ashley said.
Ashley’s volleyball journey hasn’t been smooth, but it’s far from over. The athlete is ready to start a new chapter in her career and she’ll take the lessons she’s learned along the way with her. Volleyball has become a safe space for the volleyball player and she’s ready to take on college volleyball.
“I feel more confident on the court. Volleyball is where I feel safe and comfortable, so I’m most like myself,” said Ashley.
