Ark Valley News - Driskill to study and compete at KU

Ashlyn Driskill spikes the ball in a Valley Center High School match in 2010. Driskill played in 91 matches for Wichita State University.

Driskill to study and compete at KU
By Randy Fisher
Last Updated: June 18, 2015

From WuShock to Jayhawk.

That's the latest step in the life journey of Ashlyn Driskill.

A three-time All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League II MVP and all-state performer, Driskill graduated from Valley Center High School in December 2011 and enrolled the following month at Wichita State. It took her just three years to earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry, graduating last month from WSU.

Now she's off to Kansas University to continue her education and her collegiate volleyball career. She has one year of eligibility remaining.

"Wichita State definitely prepared me for this, and it's nice to be able to continue my volleyball career with what I've learned from that program," Driskill said. "So to come here and get more great coaching at KU, along with my academic degree, this was the perfect fit."

She is currently enrolled in classes at KU and is applying for the MBA program. Her ultimate goal is going to medical school.

"At first I wasn't really considering it (KU)," she said. "But then, the programs they offer at KU will help me in the future. If I do want to go into orthopedic surgery, they have a program where most people who go through med school come back to do. It kind of gives me an advantage of being ahead of the game a little bit."

A 6-foot outside hitter, Driskill played in 91 matches for the Shockers, totaling 713 kills and 165 blocks.

"She's certainly played in a really good program and has plenty of NCAA Tournament experience … even some against the Jayhawks," KU coach Ray Bechard said in a news release. "It's definitely a unique situation where you get someone who is graduating while still having a year of eligibility left … She has the opportunity to pursue some other things academically and make a solid contribution to the volleyball program."

Between club volleyball and the Shockers, Driskill has played at WSU since the eighth grade.

"I don't think it's hit me yet just because I played club also at Wichita State," she said. "It seems like I've always played volleyball in the multi-gym there at Wichita State. It's going to be different going somewhere else, having a completely new environment."