3/5/25
Early Start At Utah Valley

GBA: During the holiday period, you were able to commit to UVU. Can you elaborate on that decision and what was the process like for you?

AW: Committing to UVU was an amazing moment for me. This decision wasn’t easy but I felt it was best for me. The recruiting process involved a lot of conversations with coaches, time, and money. The thing that mattered to most to me was finding a program that I was going to develop as a player and a person and I felt that UVU would help me achieve this. The idea of staying close to home and being able to have my family around was appealing. Another thing that stood out was the coaching staff, the entire coaching staff was very welcoming and the relationship felt different.

GBA: You were able to finish HS early and enroll in January at UVU. How has that been for you so far?

AW: It’s been a big adjustment for me so far but overall it feels like a great decision. Since I committed late it made the process happen very fast and was difficult at first, but now i’m glad that I made this decision.  The college environment has been a lot different club soccer but as time has gone on I have gotten more comfortable and learning how to balance being a student athlete.

GBA:  Now that you’ve gotten a few months of college soccer training under your belt, what’s been your favorite part so far?

AW:My favorite part so far has been meeting all guys on the team and the high intensity trainings. Every session pushes me to get better and playing against high level players continues to help me get better. I’ve enjoyed being in a new environment and living my dream of playing D1 soccer.

GBA:Have you had any Spring Matches yet? If so, how was it?

AW:Yes, we have had some spring matches, and they have been great. Being able to get minutes in a college level environment early on is something that has helped me. The matches have been great and it’s good to be able to put all of the hard work we have been working on in practice into a game environment.

GBA:What has been the biggest adjustment for you so far being a student athlete at the Division I level?

AW:The biggest adjustment for me has been time management. Going to school and playing at a high level hasn’t been easy. You have to take full responsibility of your classes, training, recovery, and personal time. However, creating a daily routine and staying on top of things has really helped me.

GBA: What do you hope to achieve during this Spring Season under the guidance of Head Coach Kyle Beckerman?

AW: Playing under Kyle Beckerman has been a blessing, he’s a great guy and has brought in a great staff under him. I hope to keep improving in all aspects of my game. My biggest goal is to get used to the high intensity and adapting to the team’s playing style. Coach Beckerman and the staff have high expectations, and i’m going to continue to work to meet them.

GBA:What advice would you give the next wave of college soccer prospects to do if they want to reach the Division I level like you?

AW: Some advice i’d give to the next wave of college prospects who want to reach the next level is to work hard, stay disciplined, and trust the process. Continue to work on your game and keep good grades. The process can be very difficult and frustrating but you have to be able to stay patient. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and find a school that is a good fit for you.

 

Congratulations again on reaching this level Ashton. You've articulated your words so well we find it hard to believe you've only arrived on campus two months ago. Your future is bright and we can't wait to watch you continue to grow and make an impact at UVU.