University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Alumni Profile - Ashley Wrightenberry
06.09.2015 | Women's Volleyball
In 2004, when Ashley Wrightenberry made the decision to attend UNC Asheville and play volleyball, she knew three good reasons why it would be a good fit for her.
“I chose UNC Asheville because I wanted to have a full scholarship to play volleyball at a Division I school. I had also played for Frederico Santos, who was the assistant coach at the time, and he was the best coach I'd ever had. Asheville gave me a chance to continue to play for him. I also wanted to stay close to home,” said Wrightenberry.
What she didn't know back in 2004 is that every aspect of her choice would be preparing her for the rest of her life.
“I currently work at UNC Health Care on Jaycee Burn Center as a registered nurse. UNCA did not have nursing so I continued my education after I graduated. Playing volleyball at Asheville prepared me for the teamwork and physicality of the burn unit,” commented Wrightenberry.
On some of her toughest days at work, she is reminded of her preseason days in the Justice Center.
“Throughout our preseasons, we were always pushed to the brink of exhaustion to make ourselves better players and people. This is continued in my job now,” she said. “We work twelve hour shifts and there are days where we are unable to sit down because we are busy taking care of burn patients. After some twelve hours shifts, I leave completely exhausted, not only physically but mentally as well.”
Learning the value of hard work was not the only thing being a Bulldog student-athlete taught Wrightenberry. She also saw firsthand the benefits of working as a team.
“We would not be able to function as a burn unit if we didn't have teamwork, we are constantly helping each other out to complete work throughout the day. I would say that we have some of the best teamwork in the hospital. This aspect came easy for me though, seeing that teamwork was front and center throughout my college career,” Wrightenberry said.
Wrightenberry learned these lessons by working hard, but in her time as a Bulldog, she also taught UNC Asheville a thing or two. Wrightenberry finished her career ranked first all-time in career block assists, No. 4 in career total blocks, and was the recipient of the coaches' award in 2005 and 2007. She also picked up some great memories along the way.
“I remember when I was a freshman and we were playing Winthrop in the Justice Center. I don't even remember if the game was close or not, but what I do remember is we only had one side of the Justice Center open and it was completely full,” she said. “The loudness and level of intensity that the fans brought that day was one I will never forget! It was madness and it was awesome!”
This game against Winthrop in the Justice Center was one of the many moments that made Wrightenberry glad she chose Asheville.
“It was a surreal moment – in that moment time seemed to stand still, and I just took in how awesome the crowd was. I also remember that most other student-athletes attended the game, and it was awesome to see the support that other Bulldog teams had for one another.”
While Wrightenberry was a standout on the court, she was also known for her achievements in the classroom. Wrightenberry was the recipient of the Helen W. and Federick R. Eckley Managment and Leadership Scholarship in April of 2007, as well as a member of the Big South All-Academic Team in November of 2007.
If she could leave any words of wisdom to future student-athletes at Asheville, it would be to take advantage of the opportunities you've been given.
“Even though your sport keeps you busy, be involved in as much as you can. Not only with other athletes but the school itself. Asheville has so much to offer and really is an amazing school!” she said. “After attending another university I found that I loved being in a small class room setting where we were not just a number but a student that participated. Get to know your professors!”
With her days as a Bulldog behind her, and a full life ahead of her, Ashley is confident in the choice she made over a decade ago.
“After attending another in-state university (to continue my education), I now know that if I could go back to my high school senior days and make the choice all over again to attend UNC Asheville – I would have made the choice without hesitation,” commented Wrightenberry. “I also can say that I came away with best and lifelong friends that all started at Asheville. I loved it. GO BULLDOGS!”
