Please join us in congratulating Senior Ashley Nice and Junior Franklin West who were named WCA’s October “Student-Athletes of the Month“. These student-athletes were recognized not only for their dedication to their sports but due to their well-rounded extra-curricular activities and academic success.

For each sports season, there will be two female and male athletes of the month selected. Therefore, in November, we will honor an additional female and male student-athlete for the Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey, and Cross Country season.

ASHLEY NICE

Coach Shannon stated, “Because of Ashley, we were able to have both teams!” Ashley stepped up this year to fill a much-needed position on both the field hockey and volleyball teams. Coach Shannon added that Ashley has “always been a star on the hockey field but now she’s a leader on the volleyball court as well.”  Ashley is a positive role model, and is always smiling regardless of the situation on the field or court. She helps her teammates to stay positive and most importantly have fun while playing.

Coach Shannon expressed how proud she is of Ashley for overcoming many personal battles and stepping up to be such an influential leader of both teams. In addition to her great attitude, Ashley has really stepped up this year, displaying excellent defensive and offensive play on the volleyball court with some very memorable “digs” for the ball and some notable returns of some very powerful serves or spikes from the opponent. She is not afraid to get in there and try her very best.

Each student-athlete was asked to respond to a series of questions about the fall sports season, their faith walk and how it influences their actions on the court or field, etc. Let’s see what Ashley has to share……

What was your favorite moment or highlight of the season?

Going to Patrick Henry Mall to get Chinese food with the team after the games.

What do you like best about your particular sport(s)?

I like field hockey and volleyball because they keep me active and social.

What do you think it takes to be a successful student-athlete?

To be a successful student-athlete, you must learn how to balance sports and your school work.

How do you feel that you best contribute to the team?

I make really good secret handshakes!

When did you first start playing this particular sport(s)?

I started field hockey in the fifth grade and I used to play volleyball when I was younger but recently started playing again my sophomore year.

In what other activities do you participate both at school and outside of school?

I am a member of the National Honor Society. I am also President of the National Art Honor Society and the President of Key Club, and have a part-time job at New2You.

How do you best balance your academics with your extracurricular activities/sports?

It’s definitely challenging to balance academics with extracurricular activities/sports but if I keep to a schedule, it’s much easier to handle.

How does your faith walk help you to have a firm foundation when you are engaging in athletic activities?

I have always been a very competitive person. I hate losing. However, from a Christian perspective, losing a game (or in Volleyball’s case, every game!) doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

What scripture verse most inspires you to be the best athlete you can be?

Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

What skills have you learned from sports that will be most helpful to you in your overall life skills?

Playing sports this year has taught me to remain positive even if you fail.

What other athletic endeavors would you like to participate in during the remainder of the school year (either inside or outside of school)?

I hope to play tennis this Spring.

FRANKLIN WEST

According to Coach Jae, “Franklin is someone who is selfless. He never misses a practice even though there are many other things he would rather be doing. He demonstrates the concept of making sure that the team comes first.”

Franklin is a well-rounded student-athlete who excels at school and brings heart and dedication to his athletic ventures here at WCA and beyond. He has participated in many a physical challenge with his Life Scout Troop including carrying a kayak for miles across rugged terrain! He was very excited to play soccer again this year with significantly increased playing time on the field. Franklin is an individual who is going to give his all at everything he does.

 Like Ashley, Franklin was asked to respond to the same series of questions. Read on to learn more about this dedicated student-athlete:

What was your favorite moment or highlight of the season?

Starting on the field this year and getting more play time and having more confidence.

What do you like best about your particular sport?

Soccer is a team sport and everyone has a part in making the team successful. I enjoy getting to know my teammates.

What do you think it takes to be a successful student-athlete?

Dedication and discipline to both academics and sports; organizing my time so I can give my best to both.

When did you first start playing this particular sport?

I started playing soccer in a rec league in first grade.

In what other activities do you participate both at school and outside of school?

I’m a Life Scout with BSA Troop 103. I have been working on my Eagle project which is restoring historic fencing at The Church on the Main. I participate in WWII re-enactments. I teach soldering and basic electronics at Radio Shack. I’m a member at Walnut Hills Baptist Church and participate in Youth Group. At WCA, I’m Vice President of the National Honor Society.

How do you best balance your academics with your extracurricular activities/sports?

Managing sports, hobbies, and academics is difficult, but I try to stay focused and give my best to all three of these areas.

How does your faith walk help you to have a firm foundation when you are engaging in athletic activities?

Faith is everything and keeps me going. I look to my faith to give me strength and encouragement during the times when I am frustrated and discouraged.

What scripture verse most inspires you to be the best athlete you can be?

1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

What skills have you learned from sports that will be most helpful to you in your overall life skills?

Never give up. Rise above challenges and persevere!!!

What other athletic endeavors would you like to participate in during the remainder of the school year (either inside or outside of school)?

Swimming and running

Congratulations to both Ashley and Franklin, and stay tuned to our blog for the announcement of our next Athletes-of-the-month in November!

Credits to AD Pam Gibbons for the content of this article.