By GANNON HANEVOLD
Moapa Valley Progress
Moapa Valley High School has long been recognized as a school full of athletes that can achieve both on and off the playing surface. This year, one senior athlete in particular was recognized by the state as a stand out performer both in the classroom and on the field.
Ashlyn Western, a three sport athlete for four years, was chosen by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) as one of the Southern region’s top ten student-athletes of 2019.
Western applied in March for the recognition, which comes with a $1,000 college scholarship. She was notified that she was a recipient in April and was recognized at a ceremony on April 24 alongside the other nine outstanding students.
“I’m just grateful!” Western said. “I was really lucky, especially with everyone else who has applied. It showed me that it’s all worth it now.”
The senior has found herself on regional and state teams for her achievements as a soccer player and on the basketball court, she was an integral piece of the Pirates’ state runner-up finish in 2019. As a lockdown defender, Western was typically assigned to shadow the opponent’s best player.
When it comes to her success, Western explained what she believed has set her apart, “I think it’s just about hard work. You have to do things when other people aren’t and stay motivated even when it’s not easy.”
Despite her impressive record in basketball and soccer, it is on the track where Western has etched her name in Moapa Valley history.
She currently holds the school record for the 1600 meter run and the 800 meter run, and was a part of the school record breaking 4×400 relay team.
Western backed her impressive career in her senior year when she competed at the Southern regional tournament last weekend. Western’s first place finishes in the 1600 meter, 800 meter, and 4×800 meter races; as well as a 400 meter third place medal; helped guide the Pirates to a Southern regional championship.
“A lot of people don’t enjoy running for fun,” she joked, “but running clears my mind sometimes.”
Outside of her athletic achievements, Western has been a prominent presence in the school and community. As a school valedictorian and National Honor Society officer, Western has managed to juggle the demands of a loaded schedule.
“It’s all about prioritizing – figuring out what goes where and managing your time is the most important thing,” she explained.
If Western could have any advice for her younger self, she said it would be all about developing a bit of confidence as an athlete.
“Walk like you own it,” she said. “You have to have confidence, because I think that was something I had a hard time with at first. You have to believe in yourself and not freak out too much.”
Ashlyn Western has left a mark on Moapa Valley High School as a diversely talented student. Her latest recognition serves as a footnote on a long career of successful athletic and academic endeavors.
