Ashley Fahey:
Peninsula High School
An avid runner, senior Ashley Fahey has been on the track and field team for the past three years and will participate again this year. Last year, she joined cross country and not only received her first varsity letter, but also was named the Most Valuable Player for the 2016 season. “I was also nominated as Athlete of the Year for the Tacoma Athlete Commission,” said Ashley, who also lettered in track last spring.
Ashley is not only successful when it comes to sports; she also excels in the classroom. She is in the National Honor Society and has a 3.98 cumulative GPA and has received the Scholar Athlete certificate on two occasions. “When I am not running or studying, I enjoy reading, painting and hanging out with friends and family,” said Ashley.
With a wide range of career interests, Ashley said she enjoys math-based sciences and math courses. “However, I am also interested in political science and policy making,” she said.
Time management has been a challenge that Ashley has found with sports and academics. “I overcome this challenge by finding a balance between activities and homework. I found a way to prioritize my academics along with cross country,” she said, adding that she enjoys interacting with her teammates on the cross-country team. “[The team] is filled with people who have positive attitudes,” she said.
One lesson Ashley has learned from her coach is to always push herself harder. “Pushing harder will not only improve your time, but it will allow you to push past your mental barriers you have during a race,” said Ashley.
Bailey Werner:
Gig Harbor High School
Senior Bailey Werner is an example of what dedication to one’s sports and academics can accomplish. With a 4.0 cumulative GPA, Bailey has received the WIAA Scholastic Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award every season in both soccer and softball. She received an honorable mention in her conference for softball and made the Second Team All-League position as well and was voted team captain of this year’s varsity soccer team.
Her success has not come easy. Bailey shared that the biggest challenges she has faced in sports is overcoming her own doubts and insecurities. “Over the past three years, I’ve had to work a lot on my mental toughness,” she said. “I overcame the majority of my insecurities from mistakes I made during practices and games by keeping a positive attitude and learning to play selflessly. Playing for others allows you to put your fears aside and work hard for your teammates.”
While Bailey said she enjoys pushing herself to see how hard she can work on the field, what she really enjoys most is an opportunity to compete with some of her best friends. “Bonding on and off the field with girls that share a similar love for athletics and academics make practices and conditioning something I can look forward to even on my most difficult days,” she said.
Bailey shares that being involved in sports has taught her that attitude is everything. “A good work ethic always starts with your mindset, which I think is a valuable lesson no matter what you are doing.”