USA Field Hockey will be featuring weekly spotlights of U.S. U-21 Women's National Team members selected to represent Team USA at the women's Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 (JWC).
She grew up with four older brothers and was the biggest tom-boy. She loves vacationing at the beach and making soup on Sundays. Family is the most important thing to her and and she credits her parents for pushing her everyday. Meet U.S. U-21 Women's National Team member Ashley Hoffman.
A native of Mohnton, Pa., Ashley grew up with four older brothers and throughout elementary and middle school, she was the biggest tom-boy. Having a competitive nature, she always tried to keep up with her siblings and their games. In elementary school, she would make her brother Ryan play 1v1 field hockey with her in their backyard. He would win almost every time and she would get very upset. Often times she would end up crying because she couldn't beat him. Although years have passed, all the Hoffman kids are still compete in everything they do.
Ashley notes she is also very fortunate to have two great sister-in-laws. As you can imagine, it's a breath of fresh air. She looks forward all year to her family vacations to the beach because there is not a wasted minute. They are always at the beach or playing games like tennis, catch phrase, golf and more.
To her, family is the most important, and she hopes to one day have a big close-knit family. She also considers her fellow teammates a great family at UNC. This year she moved to a house off-campus with five roommates, two women's soccer players and two field hockey teammates. They enjoy cooking healthy meals and biking to class together. There is never a dull moment in her house.
Her parents got her to where she is today by pushing and continuing to push her to be her best. They made her love competition and she is forever grateful for their unending support and love.
Quick Facts about Ashley
Position: Midfield/Defense
Hometown: Mohnton, Pa.
Joined Junior High Performance: 20
High School: Twin Valley High School
Club Team: X-Calibur
College: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Major: Undecided (Chemistry)
International Playing Experience: Tours to Vancouver and Holland twice, Hockey 5s Junior Pan American Trial in Montevideo, Uruguay, 2016 Women's Junior Pan American Championship
Field Hockey Awards: 2015 UNC Freshman of the Year, All-American (Junior and Senior Years of HS)
Began Playing Field Hockey: 2nd grade
Best Words of Advice: "Control the controllables and stay focused on the task at hand every time you step on the field."
Most Memorable Field Hockey Moment: Winning the 2015 ACC Championship in overtime against Syracuse
Hockey Role Model: Mom was on the 1984 Olympic Bronze medalist team
Favorite Vacation Sports: Hilton Head, S.C. - family goes there every summer and it is a chance for all her siblings to reunite
Favorite Past Times: Going out to dinner to different restaurants with her roommates, making soup on Sundays, playing badminton with her family
Favorite Pump-Up Song: Salt Water Gospel Acoustic with Eva, Catherine and Ali
Parents: Brenda and Scott Hoffman
Siblings: Derek, Kyle, Brad & Ryan, older brothers, and Kristyn & Jenny, sister-in-laws
Consider supporting the U.S U-21 Women's National Team as they prepare to wear the red, white and blue on the world stage November 23 - December 4, 2016 by donating to their Rally U.S. to the Cup campaign or bid on one of the many items up for auction on their Winning Cause Auction website. Auction deadline is Saturday, October 29, 2016. All funds raised will be used to help supply coverage of travel, meals, medical treatment and more for the U-21 USWNT. Click here to donate. #rallyUStothecup #SQUAD
Photo Credit: UNC Athletic Communications & Ashley Hoffman