St. John's University Athletics
Inside The Red Storm: Rookie Libero Ashley Asing
11/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 10, 2009
QUEENS, N.Y. - Freshman libero Ashley Asing of the St. John's volleyball team stepped into big shoes this fall, slated with the task of taking over for three-time BIG EAST Libero of the Year Lena Yee after the Red Storm captured the last three consecutive BIG EAST regular season championships. Asing rose to the challenge with the support of her team and is currently ranked in the top 10 in the conference in digs (seventh, 3.96 digs per set). Asing is the only rookie among the top 10 leaders in the league.
The freshman has tallied 416 digs on the season, just 27 away from breaking into the top 10 season leaders in the category at St. John's, a list that includes four first-year players.
Asing always saw herself becoming a professional surfer by her mid-20's. But in the eighth grade, Asing picked up the sport of volleyball as a way to get involved at school, a decision that would eventually land her at St. John's.
Asing began her volleyball career in middle school and was on the same squad as current Red Storm teammate Nalani I. The pair grew up 20 minutes away from each other, but neither realized they would be reunited at St. John's until they arrived on campus. The Ewa Beach, Hawaii, native was also a competitive swimmer, missing the Olympic trials by 1/600th of a second in the 100 fly, and holds three state records in various events.
The rookie is excited at the progress she has made since arriving in Queens and enjoys being a vocal leader on the court.
"I have learned so much from Coach Persico and my team since coming here," said Asing. "The athletic community at St. John's is so supportive and really helps us succeed off the court."
The move from Hawaii to Queens did generate some culture shock, but the freshman is quickly becoming acclimated with city life.
"I've learned about baseball since coming here," commented Asing. "It was so exciting to see the World Series unfold around us."
Asing and the Red Storm wrap up BIG EAST Conference action on the road this weekend with matches at Louisville and Cincinnati.
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