Everyone has someone in their life that they look up to as a role model or an example of what they want to be. For some it could be a celebrity or popular athlete, while for others like Ashleigh Graves, it could be someone a little closer to home. She has a few people that have helped shape her into the person she is.

“My biggest inspiration is my dad because he is the hardest worker I know and he never complains when he goes through hard times,” she said. “My coaches throughout the years have made a huge impact on how I play as well. My school volleyball coach, Amy Serowski, has really helped me improve my game ever since she became the head coach my sophomore year. She’s inspired me to continue my volleyball career into college and encourages me daily. Another coach who I’ve looked up to is Kami Bratcher. She was my club volleyball coach in my 16’s year and she completely changed my outlook on the game and life.”

Graves is in her senior year at Southmoore High School. She is a middle hitter for the SaberCats volleyball team. Ashleigh is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council, senior council, and she is a certified physical therapy technician.

There have been a lot of great moments that Ashleigh has enjoyed on and off the court with her teammates. But she says that she has one with her club team that she will remember for a long time.

“My favorite moment of my career was winning a national qualifier in my 16s year of club volleyball,” she said. “It was by far my favorite season and it was great seeing all of our hard work pay off. I played with
some of the best teammates that became my best friends. I will never forget the moment we won our championship game.”

Since her high school career is coming to a close, Ashleigh already has her plans ready for the next chapter of her life.

“I’m committed to play college volleyball at Kansas Wesleyan University,” she said. “I plan on majoring in Exercise Science and then getting my Doctorate in Physical Therapy.”