Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Ashley Kelly

Photo: Delaware Technical Community College

The Delaware Technical Community College student-athletes interviews are back!

The student-athlete we are featuring this week comes from Delaware Tech’s volleyball team, which is Ashley Kelly.

Kelly talks about everything from the best part of being a middle blocker and why she chose to play volleyball at Delaware Tech.

Check it out below!

Related:

Delaware Sports Blitz Interview: Delaware Tech’s Kaniah James

How did you start playing sports?

“I started sports in the sixth grade by running track, and then in the eighth grade began playing basketball and volleyball.”

What adjustments did you have to make from the jump from high school to college, regarding the sport you play?

“I feel I made a smooth transition from high school to college. The only thing I needed to adjust was my time, just making sure I left enough time for school and training outside of practice.”

How do you keep yourself in game shape in the off-season for your sport?

“I would go to the gym at least four times a week and do volleyball-focused workouts.”

What is the best part of playing your particular position?

“The best part of playing middle blocker is getting a good block and everyone getting super hype on the court. I love how a good block can boost the team’s morale.”

What has a former or current coach taught you, that you still use today on or off the playing field?

“My current coach taught me that volleyball is a game of mistakes and that every single player will make a mistake throughout the game, so you need to let it go and move on to the next play.”

What is a typical day for you when the season is in full force?

“A typical day for me when the season is in full force would be getting up early for classes, getting home and starting my assignments, taking my dog for a walk, and going to practice.”

What do you feel is your greatest strength?

“My greatest strength is lifting the team’s spirit. I can always seem to get a smile out of each of my teammates, and it helps on the court as well.”

What do you feel you are weakest at and what do you work on to improve it?

“I am weak at passing, and I can improve on it by focusing on it during practice and working on it outside of practice as well.”

Describe some of the highlights of your athletic career.

“One highlight of my athletic career was during club season at Mason Dixon Volleyball club. My team went undefeated on the first day at Beach Fest in Ocean City, Maryland. Another highlight of my athletic career was making the Delaware Tech volleyball team.”

What is the best part of playing on a team?

“The best part of playing on a team is your teammates. When you have motivated and uplifting teammates, it makes playing the game so much more fun.”

How do you stay motivated during the highs and lows of a season?

“I stayed motivated by keeping a positive attitude on the court and making sure I was communicating with teammates.”

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

“The biggest challenge I have faced is getting Covid-19 during the playoffs in my senior year of high school. I overcame it by supporting my teammates from a distance and staying motivated for club volleyball.”

In what ways, does playing a sport, help you with your studies?

“Playing a sport keeps me motivated to complete my assignments and do well on tests so I can stay eligible to play.”

How would you like to be remembered by your teammates and coaches?

“I would like to be remembered as someone my teammates could depend on and a coachable player by my coaches.”

Why did you choose to play at Delaware Tech?

“I chose to play at Delaware Tech because I wanted to stay close to home, and I heard it was a good program.”