Freshman makes her Mark(le) on the volleyball court

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Ashley Markle, who racked up 50 aces this season to place second on the team, leaps in the air to deliver a jump serve.

BY MICHAYLA SMITH 

            Freshman varsity volleyball player Ashley Markle dominated in her first high school volleyball season, acquiring 296 kills, 137 digs, 50 aces, and the title of GMC Player of the Year. 

             Although she experienced some nerves when moving to the high school level, Markle quickly adapted. “I was definitely scared at first when playing with the older girls, but we’ve formed friendships that I’ve never had before,” said Markle.  

            “Being a freshman on varsity allows you to advance in every way possible and learn lessons every day,” stated Markle. She improved greatly throughout the season, averaging 6.25 kills in the first four games and 9.68 in the remaining 28. 

Ashley Markle huddles with her teammates, including senior Julia Mikucki who had 601 assists this season almost half of which lead to Markle kills, and tries to pump them up between points.

            “I’m so lucky to have had such a welcoming team that taught me something new each day,” said Markle. Three -year varsity players Abigail Jazmin, Julia Gervase, Danica Lennon, Julia Morgan, and Ava Accettulli supported and mentored Markle throughout the season.  

            Markle insists that she wouldn’t have accomplished all that she did without the help of her teammates, especially a 2nd Team All Group IV senior who, in three years, contributed 1,510 assists. “This couldn’t have been done without the defense of my team and my amazing setter, Julia [Mikucki],” said Markle. In the GMC Championship, Markle had 14 kills and Julia Mikucki had 30 assists. This represents the successful partnership between the two outstanding players. 

Ashley Markle, who had 296 kills this season, spikes the ball over the outstretched hands of an opposing player.

            Markle’s high opinion of her teammates is reciprocated by them. “Ashley is a powerful and smart player,” said sophomore Weronika Malinowski. “She benefited the team with not just her skill but also her ability to encourage those around her.”  

            Though Markle recorded many personal achievements this season, such as winning GMC Player of the Year and setting and OBHS record for kills in a single season, a the team’s victories resonate with her the most. “My biggest accomplishment was definitely winning GMC’s,” stated Markle fondly. “It still feels surreal, and I’ll never forget that day.”

            Next volleyball season, everyone can expect Markle to come back better than ever and strive for another record-setting season.

Posted 12/22/23

Photos by Tim O’Neill