Mount Dora High School senior Ashley Heitling has decided to spend the next four years at the University of South Alabama. It is the end of a long journey for her and a year spent battling back from injury that sidelined her for most of the cross country season.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process, like my senior year, was kind of like a roller coaster. It was exciting, nerve racking, stressful, sometimes disappointing, and an adventure all at the same time. However I do feel really fortunate that my coach, Andy Douglas, was definitely able to facilitate the communication process and keep me level headed throughout the entire thing. In the beginning, it was definitely fun getting to talk to so many different coaches, discussing visits, and going on free plane trips to different places, but in the end I’m just glad it’s over and I can be happy about my decision. It is definitely a big weight off my shoulders and I am so looking forward to running in college next year.
Was it harder because you had limited running the past year?
I have to say that going into the recruiting process as an injured runner definitely made things slightly awkward at first. I can remember when I first got injured thinking that nobody would even want me. If anything, it made me feel like I had to prove myself even more to coaches because after being out for most of Cross Country season, I knew I would have to really get my times back to where they needed to be as soon as possible for scholarship and just other recruiting purposes which in turn created a lot of unnecessary pressure. However, it really helped me choose a school because I finally realized that when I found the right school with the right coach, right team, and right everything that my injury wouldn't be as big of a deal if it was really the place I was supposed to be. If a coach wants you and believes in you even when you’re hurt and not at your best, then you know they are going to take care of you no matter what and that is really reassuring.
What schools did you take visits to?
I took official visits to University of South Alabama and Georgia State University. I had a couple other visits lined up with Florida International University, and University of Southern Mississippi, but after visiting Georgia State and comparing it to my experience at South Alabama I knew almost instantly that the University of South Alabama was where I was supposed to go.
Why did you ultimately choose South Alabama?
The funny thing about it is that the University of South Alabama was the first school to contact me and the first phone call I ever had with the coach lasted almost an hour because of how well we immediately just got along. When I met the coach, Coach Barnett, for the first time at the airport I felt like I was just seeing an old friend I hadn't seen in a long time. When I got to the campus, there was nothing I could complain about; I loved the girls, the atmosphere, the coaches, and everything it had to offer. Ultimately, I chose it because I know that I will be the happiest and most successful there. Not to mention, I missed my plane ride home and ended up having to stay an extra unplanned night with the girls. We took it as a sign that I just wasn't ever supposed to leave and I guess you can say it worked out!
What are you looking forward to most about running in college?
Considering I run with all boys and have no girls to run with at all, I am so looking forward to having a team of girls to run with who actually enjoy running. I am also really excited about competing as a team and being able to contribute because that is something I have never experienced before.
How would you describe yourself as a runner?
As a runner, I would consider myself driven, stubborn, critical, focused, and tenacious. I feel like I have evolved over the years into a more mature, less critical, more driven, and less stubborn runner, but all the qualities are still there and I accept the fact that I still have many things to learn and much more room to grow.
What are some of your greatest memories from high school?
My greatest memories in high school mostly all involve races or practice because that is where I have spent the majority of my time. Therefore, winning my 2011 Cross Country Regional meet was probably one of my greatest memories because I went into the race as an underdog and came out on top. It was one of the best days of my high school running career because everything my coach and I visualized happening fell into place that day and it was absolutely great. I can remember almost tripping when I took the lead in the last 200 meters, kicking it in through the finish line, and having a huge smile on my face as I walked up to my coach after I finished; it was perfect. Also, getting third in the 2A State Cross Country meet my junior year, after getting 51st the year before, was one of my favorite memories too because it made me realize how much I have improved and have accomplished.
It's your senior year what are your goals for this year?
My goal is a hundred percent what it has been for the past two years and that is to obviously break 11 minutes and be a state champion in the 3200m. After having felt the pain of my injury both mentally and physically as I limped off my Junior year State track meet with tears in my eyes, all I want more than ever for this year is to be up on the podium with the gold medal around my neck, and a smile stretched out across my face. I’m healthy, injury free, my times are dropping, and I’m ready to win.
