Ainsley

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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

In her own words: "I love what it has given me outside of the gym. It has taught me that failure is the next step to success and you have to fail many times to win. It has given me a life lesson in resilience that I can apply in every aspect of my life, like school, a future job, etc. I also love that even though it is an individual sport, my individual success can contribute to my team's success."

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

In her own words: "Jesus, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kerri Strug, Shawn Johnson, Isabella Magnelli, Maggie Slife and Chesney Bennett are all people I look up to and strive to be like. They all have a "never quit" mentality. Life will throw punches and you have to be physically AND mentally strong to not only survive but thrive."

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

It's not one moment that makes me the proudest, it's been the gradual progression of watching her start this sport at the ripe age of 3 and become the well-rounded athlete and teammate she is. She is the first to clap and cheer for others, she is humble in her success, she is steadfast in her commitment and faith, she knows who she is without her sport but that her sport has helped make her that person.