Meet Women's Swimming Senior - Ashley Ireland

The vast majority of student-athletes pick the college of their choice with the knowledge that they will be competing in a particular sport when they make the decision. That, however, was not the case for senior Ashley Ireland, who is an original member of the UNC Asheville women's swimming team.

Ashley did not arrive planning to be a member of the swimming program, which did not make its debut until Ashley's sophomore year. As she recalls, “it hasn't always been easy.” However, she realizes that she is better for it.

“The experience taught me that I am capable of a lot more than I originally thought.”

She admits that swimming in college has required a steep learning curve, which was magnified by the fact that Ashley had not swum competitively since age 13 before jumping back into the pool in Asheville.

Growing up in Concord, N.C., and attending a small high school (First Assembly Christian), Ashley was looking for a school that would suit her desires. She wanted to maintain that small school feel while also finding a campus that offered options outside of the school itself. After visiting UNC Asheville, Ashley felt that “Asheville had so many options and things to do off of campus. I felt like I was at home here when I came to visit and I really loved it.”

That has translated into some of the things that keep Ashley busy outside of the swimming lanes. The restaurants are “probably my favorite part.” She also enjoys the things that she was unable to take advantage of in the Piedmont of North Carolina: the mountains, the waterfalls and the hiking trails among other things.

When comparing Asheville to Concord, Ashley's take is that it is “very different, Concord is a total polar opposite,” but in a good way as she has come to really enjoy what Asheville has to offer. “I absolutely love it. I love the environment and I love seeing the different people and hearing different stories. It has helped broaden my horizons and has been a great experience.”

Graduation is right around the corner for the Biology major, and Ashley is keeping her options open after graduation. She is currently studying for the GRE and plans on applying to graduate school after her May, 2015 graduation date. However, she is also looking into internships and job openings in Asheville or Charlotte that might suit her. In the end, though, she is mainly focusing on the remainder of the swimming season and graduation.

"After that, everything will work itself out," she said.

A member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Ashley sees the value in giving back to the community. She serves as a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters and feels that it is important to give back because he feels that "the community has done so much for her.” She enjoys the opportunity the team takes to spend time in the community and the work they've done with the Asheville Marathon.

Back in the pool, Ashley wants to top her personal best in the 50-yard freestyle and break the 24-second mark. The senior recognizes that she has to prepare better than in the past if she want to meet her stated goal.

“Last year I noticed that sometimes I did not work as hard on certain sets if I knew that a tougher set was coming up,” she said. So this season she sees preparation and all-out, consistent effort as the keys to reaching her goal.

Ashley has enjoyed the process of helping to start a swimming program and is proud to be a member of the original team. She can see the progress that is being made.

“It has been cool to see it grow, and so far this year has been one of our best years yet. It has been one of the most positive environments that I have ever had a chance to swim in.”

Ashley credits Coach (Elizabeth) Lykins with enhancing her overall experience at the university.

“She has been great with helping us, not just with swimming but helping us outside of the pool with life skills and school skills,” she said.