Friday, 06 November 2020 15:11

From Schuylerville Grad to College Soccer Standout

By Megin Potter | Sports
Ashley Flynn. Photo provided. Ashley Flynn. Photo provided.

A readiness to embrace change set Ashley Flynn on her path of excellence. 

After Ashley Flynn graduated from Schuylerville High School in 2017, she was eager to begin playing soccer at Paul Smith’s College.

“I was excited. It was going to be different. I’d be with a whole new team and I couldn’t wait for that,” she said. 

Flynn’s interest in the outdoors, academic aspirations, and personality made her a good fit for the school.

“I definitely look for hard working players with integrity and who will be coachable,” said Bailey Waterbury, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Paul Smith’s College.

WELL-POSITIONED TO PLAY ANY POSITION
Now a senior, Flynn’s readiness to fill any open position on the team during her college career made her a standout soccer player. 

“I was really, really thankful she stepped-up and filled those positions. At practice she was giving 100 percent and had a good attitude. She’s been a great teammate both on and off the field,” said Waterbury. 

From striker, to midfield, defender, and goalkeeper, Flynn’s versatility transformed her into a natural team leader. 

“It was tough playing goal because I missed playing in the field but I had to step up and put my best effort into every game anyway,” she said. 

EXPLORING NEW FRONTIERS
Exposed to leadership activities while in Schuylerville High School’s FFA program, developing these skills during times of change added tremendous value to the team’s experiences this year as well, despite competitive collegiate soccer being cancelled because of COVID concerns.

“She’s really come out of her shell and been a leader on our team. Ashley is one of those people the others girls can look to,” said Waterbury.

This year, the team started out their season with team bonding experiences including hiking, kayaking, and running.

Now, they practice three times a week and compete in weekly scrimmages against the Paul Smith’s men’s soccer team.

Knowing they can never take any day they are together for granted – whether it is for practice or for a game – the Paul Smith’s soccer team is looking forward to playing competitively again next fall, but will miss Flynn’s positive presence on the field.

“I wish Ashley the best and will miss her a lot, we all will,” said Waterbury.

After graduation, Ashley Flynn plans to move out West to become a park ranger. Her advice for other high school students looking to embrace change and compete on the college level is to start early.

“Contact the coaches, arrange for a campus visit and to meet the other players. Then, when you get to college, you’ll already know them and they’ll help you feel welcome,” she said. 

Read 1626 times

Blotter

  • Saratoga County Court  Kathleen M. Callanan, 62, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 1 year in local jail, after pleading to felony grand larceny.  Cassandra R. Barden, 38, homeless, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to felony attempted assault, charged in Milton.  Ashley Vetrano, 35, of Glens Falls, pleaded to felony robbery, charged in Moreau. Sentencing May 23.  Gabrielle Montanye, 63, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony attempted identity theft, charged in Ballston Spa.  Daniel J. Koenig, III, 53, of Round Lake, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after…

Property Transactions

  • BALLSTON Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 12 Aspen Dr to Shaun Scott for $596,673 Sunmark Credit Union sold property at 15 17 & 19 Main St to Landmark Holdings 2023 LLC for $240,000 CORINTH Gary ONeil sold property at 115 Hollister Dr to Aaron Schips for $345,000 GREENFIELD Jeffrey Fuller sold property at 4 Lanie Dr to Jacob Brooks for $221,700 Bernice Moeller sold property at 395 North Creek Rd to Devin Vernon for $270,000 MALTA  Maureen Weise sold property at 13 Pepperbush Pl to Robert ONeill for $245,000 MECHANICVILLE Robert Murphy sold property at 406 Park Ave to…
  • NYPA
  • Saratoga County Chamber
  • BBB Accredited Business
  • Discover Saratoga
  • Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association