Meet Ashlyn Pedersen, #3 2027 Recruit

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["399229"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d50d98883cf"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pedersen is an athlete that I have had the pleasure of coaching and following the journey of over the past four years. So, I have had the honor of witnessing her incredible journey to the top, steadily improving with each season she has played. In her first year of 14s she was one of two 7th-grade athletes to make it on the esteemed OJVA 14-1 Gold team and as an 8th grader, she was instrumental in their CEVA Regional championship win. Now, as a freshman, she is continuing to make major headway, recently being named the #1 middle blocker and #3 overall recruit for the class of 2027 by PrepDig Oregon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'1”, she has the height, and with a 22-inch vertical jump, she has the athleticism too. Couple this with her impressive volleyball IQ and court awareness, and she makes for a well-rounded middle blocker. Her court vision is well beyond her years, seeing the block in front of her as a tool to score instead of an imposing threat. Whether turning the ball away from the block or forcing a well-placed tip over the block to the middle of the court, Pedersen finds creative ways to score. She plays with finesse, flexing her talents to find the open court. Her in-play transition is fast and she gets off the court with urgency, making herself available to setters consistently, from anywhere on the court. As a blocker, she is aggressive, and hungry to shut down opposing attackers. She closes the block at the pins given her productive lateral movement and uses her length to create a formidable wall at the net.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pedersen had a breakout high school season for the Westview Wildcats. She was able to make an impression from day one, seeing court time as a starting middle blocker. And her dominant play did not go unnoticed. She was awarded Metro First Team All-League. She was also instrumental in helping the team advance to the quarterfinals of the 6A State tournament.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are only two months into the season and Ashlyn has already demonstrated an elevated IQ and vision for her age. She leads with an unwavering work ethic, an attitude of sacrifice for the team, and a focus on relationships with her teammates. I am excited to be on her journey of growth this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Jeannette Lee, OJVA 15-1 Gold Head Coach </cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had the chance to email back and forth with Pedersen, and she answered some questions for us: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. Why did you choose to play volleyball? What got you hooked? What do you love about it?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Growing up, I played many sports: soccer, basketball, softball. But one day I went to my cousin's volleyball game and thought that it seemed fun, so I tried it. I was hooked! What I love about volleyball is that it's a sport where everyone has to contribute and put work in to win the game, and not just one person.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. What has been your favorite memory volleyball has given you thus far?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My favorite memory was when my 14-1 club team won regionals last year. All year we were battling against the top teams but never could pull off the wins. During regionals, we surprised everyone and beat the teams we hadn't beaten before! That was when all the hard work we had put in that club season paid off. My favorite high school game was at Sheldon this year. We completed the reverse sweep to qualify for the state tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you as an athlete?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was fortunate to be able to meet Morgan Lewis at an Oregon Duck camp a few years ago. She has been a mentor of mine ever since. She reminds me to give yourself a lot of grace in everything you do. There are going to be days that nothing is going your way in volleyball and life, and that's totally ok. It's part of the process, but it's how you handle and manage those days that set you apart from the rest. This has helped me because I always remind myself that it's okay to make mistakes and that they are bound to happen. This also reminds me to be confident and ready for the next play and to always stay positive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. What are your goals for your volleyball career? What are your aspirations for your high school and club career? Do you want to play collegiately?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My top goal for my career is to play volleyball in college at the highest level possible. Regarding club and high school, my aspirations are to be the best I can be, working hard every practice and game to get better, and be consistent in every position. I want to be someone my teammates look up to and can rely on as a leader. For high school, I'd love to go to state again and take home a trophy. For my club team, my goal is to help my team get a bid to Nationals each season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->