Volleyball's Gundling Serving On and Off the Court

El Estrecho de Luperón, Dominican Republic- Like many of her teammates, incoming Bulldog volleyball player Ashley Gundling has spent plenty of time training on the court and in the gym this summer as she prepares for the next chapter in her life at UNC Asheville.

However, Gundling has also spent time developing herself outside of the volleyball court, building homes for underprivileged families in the Dominican Republic with the non-profit organization G.O.E.S. - Groups of Extraordinary Students.

“This was my fourth trip back to the Dominican Republic. While down in El Estrecho de Luperón and La Sabana, we build two to four homes per summer - from clearing the land, digging the footers, laying block, framing walls, putting siding and roofing on, to finally painting and moving the family in,” Gundling said. “I love having the opportunity to build for these families, as well as make connections and friendships with the Dominican people,” said Gundling.

While Gundling volunteers her time to try to help others, she claims that her time in the Dominican is spent building a lot more than houses.

“The people I've met in the Dominican are the happiest people I have ever met, despite not having much material wealth. They are so happy to buy us ice for our boiling hot waters as we work, or cook lunch for us,” Gundling said. “That is what inspires me to help them in any way I can and give them an even happier life. The friendships I make down there are ones I truly cherish.”

Each year, Ashley brings home new friendships and fond memories from her trips. But recently, she's also picked up a few lessons to add to her success on the court as well.

“Working hard, teamwork, dedication, commitment, and perseverance are all keys to making a great team. Down in the Dominican as well as on the volleyball court, all of these aspects are crucial to accomplishments that lead to success,” she said. “It takes the whole group of Americans and Dominicans working together toward our common goal of giving a family a new life. We are successful when we work together. This is also true on any volleyball team.”

What started out as a service trip has taught Gundling plenty of lessons she uses on and off the court, and keeps her anxious to return every summer.

“I continue to look forward to this mission work every summer, and I'm looking for ways to incorporate it into my long-term career goals. The choice I made to travel down four years ago is one that I am extremely happy I made, and I wouldn't trade the experiences and friendships for the world,” she said. “These trips have helped me to appreciate everything I have and not take anything for granted.”

Since her trip, Ashley is using what she learned to prepare her for the upcoming volleyball season in Asheville.

Gundling and the Bulldogs will open the 2016 season on Friday, August 26 against the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga.