Whether she is directing the defense from the backline or hyping up her teammates during practice or games, Ashley Schuman ’27 has been a cornerstone of Girls Volleyball. In her fourth year on the team as a libero, she leads her team confidently in expectation of a strong season.
Schuman’s volleyball career began after her sudden transition away from gymnastics. Following her sister’s footsteps, she developed rapidly.
“I did gymnastics for almost 10 years, and when I quit, I wanted to try another sport. I started volleyball around seventh or eighth grade. My sister played volleyball, so it was not a big jump for me to start playing since she knew all the tricks, and I had been watching it for a while,” said Schuman.
Beyond her role as a defensive specialist, Schuman took on the role as a vocal captain. Encouraged by her early coaches to find her voice, she takes pride in communicating with her team members and making sure that everyone is working together on the same page.
“This is a role I have grown into a lot. [In my Junior] and [Lower] year[s], [former Head] Coach Clyfe [Beckwith] and [former Assistant] Coach [Sabrina Zurkuhlen] were really drilling the importance of being an assertive leader and being loud on the court. Now, I have filled that role. I am very vocal on the court, calling the ball, letting people know our serve-receive seam, what defense we are in, and what is happening with the hitters. I let the front row know where open spots are on the court or that I am behind them, so nobody is confused and we avoid little blips,” said Schuman.
Beginning her Andover volleyball career, Elsa Wang ’30 complimented Schuman on her cordial attitude and support.
“Ashley is a really supportive teammate and Captain on the team. When I first came for preseason, she welcomed the Juniors and everyone who was new. She was extremely supportive whenever I made mistakes in practice and during preseason,” said Wang.
Schuman’s supportive tendencies are complemented by collaboration with fellow Co-Captain Selene Xu ’27. Xu elaborated on her experience working with Schuman and how they join forces to foster a positive team environment.
“Ashley and I both try hard to be the best Captains possible. We talk after practice about how things are going, and we talk with the coaches to make practice and warm-up plans. Since we have played together since [Junior] year, we have pretty good chemistry and work together really well to try to have the best year possible. On the court, Ashley tells people where to cover and makes sure everyone knows what they are doing. I am more of the person giving high fives and celebrating a super cool swing, so we really complement each other,” said Xu.
Even as a multi-sport athlete looking to pursue softball at the collegiate level, Schuman’s drive to compete on the volleyball court has not wavered.
“I really love playing volleyball and find it so fun. A lot of people do not like playing defense because they are always hitting the floor, but I find it so fun when I get a ball up that the other team thought was a kill, or when I run across the court to save a ball. I love playing the sport, and it makes me so happy. I am going to college for softball, which is my main sport and the one I am going to continue with throughout my life, but I really enjoy playing volleyball and wanted to continue until I no longer could,” said Schuman.
Schuman is committed to play softball at the Division I level at Boston University.
