Stella Ashton

• Big-Hearted
• Methodical
• Adaptable
• Sociable
• Committed

When I’m on a team, I try to focus only on the 9×9—the bubble on the court. I picture the pass made perfectly for the setter, the setter setting it up for the hit—it’s almost like one smooth movement. I believe that you don’t play for yourself, you play for your team. It should never be just about you. The setter can’t set without a pass, and the hitters can’t hit without a set. It’s all a group effort.

Even when you’re standing alone on the serving line, just you and the ball, you’re doing it for your team. You have to stay connected and support everyone inside that 9×9 space, no matter the score or situation.

I started this journey in grade seven and have been growing ever since, working hard every summer and off-season to get to where I am today. This past season, I had the honor of being named captain of both my U14 club team and my school team. I’m proud that my coaches and teammates saw me as a leader they could trust. One of my biggest highlights was winning a gold medal at nationals. Coming home and wearing that medal around my neck was an unforgettable moment—but instead of settling, it only pushed me to keep working harder.

Along the way, I’ve earned recognition from coaches for my growth, development, and commitment to the sport. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I also know I still have a long way to go to reach the level I’m aiming for.

When I’m not playing volleyball, I’m watching it—and when I’m not watching it, I’m reading about mental strategies or studying videos to improve my game. But at the end of the day, I really just love to read. Whether it’s something to help my physical or mental game, or a story I can get lost in, you can always find me buried in a book. Reading has also helped me grow as a writer. I enjoy writing, whether it’s creating long stories or just getting my feelings out on paper. It’s a skill that’s helped me a lot in class and lets me be creative in my own way. Lately, I’ve also picked up baking as a new hobby. My favorite thing to make is cookie dough—especially when I’m feeling down or just craving something sweet. It’s my go-to comfort. Between books, stories, and sweets, I’ve found little ways to enjoy the quiet moments just as much as the competitive ones.

In my life, I have two big role models.

The first is my mom. She gives her heart not just to me and my dad, but to the kids at her school—she gives them her everything. No matter what has happened in her own life, she always works hard and gives 100%. Through all of it. I look up to her because she puts in her all, through the good, the bad, and the ugly, no matter what.

My second role model is my aunt. She is the definition of joy—like the living, breathing version of the word. Working in the nursing community comes with its ups and downs, but she never stops carrying that joy with her. She always tells me, “It’s not your problem, it’s theirs. If they don’t like you, that’s not your problem—so let them.” Even when she’s not physically here, she’s always there for me. I’ve always wanted to be like her, and every day, I try to live up to both her and my mom.

I think it’s important to play other sports because they help you grow in ways volleyball can’t. For example, I’ve played flag football every year with my school, and growing up, I did soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and swimming. I believe playing different sports makes you stronger, both physically and mentally. Each sport teaches you something unique that you need to adapt to and learn, and I think experiencing those different aspects makes life a little easier in the long run.

Even though our school is small and Honor Roll isn’t presented until Grade 10, I’ve maintained a high GPA since the beginning and continued to grow from there. I was proud to be elected class president in both Grade seven and Grade nine, which felt like big accomplishments for me. I’ve also been part of the student council two years in a row as a class representative. I’m proud of the connections I’ve made through those roles, the grades I’ve maintained to keep them, and how much I’ve grown since I first started taking on leadership positions.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

I picture my university life away from home—getting used to a new place, meeting new people, and learning to adapt. I see myself working hard toward my goal of playing volleyball and enjoying every moment of it. At the same time, I’ll be focused on my path to becoming a nurse, putting in the effort to do my best in both school and sports. I can see my mom at every game, cheering me on, and I’m excited about the new people I’ll meet along the way.

It won’t always be easy, but I’m ready to grow, work hard, and make the most of every part of the journey.