Coupeville Sports

Ashley Menges prepares to unleash a laser serve. (John Fisken photo)

Menges is also an accomplished horse rider.

Volleyball is fun, but riding has her heart.

Coupeville Middle School 8th grader Ashley Menges, who played for the Wolves this season, is first and foremost an accomplished horse rider.

A veteran of the Island County Fair, she qualified for this year’s state fair in Puyallup, where she finished fifth in bareback riding.

“After volleyball season I mainly do horses,” Menges said. “Riding horses is practically half my life; it takes a lot of time and is mainly year round, so I keep pretty busy.”

Which is not to say she doesn’t enjoy her time on the court.

Having wrapped her second season in the sport, she enjoys the chance it gives to compete along side friends who may not share her passion for her other sport.

“I started in seventh grade because I knew I wanted to do a sport and I also wanted to do something with my friends,” Menges said. “I really enjoy being on a team.

“I kinda have this connection with them since I’ve grown up with most of them,” she added. “The feeling of winning with a team that feels like family is the best part, because we get to share the win with each other and be proud of each other.”

Sharing is a big part of her game, as she generally plays as a setter, delegated with setting up her teammates.

Menges is pleased with where her game currently is (“I’m really good at setting. I also like serving, diving and digging.”), but knows there are always ways to improve as she goes forward.

“My goals for the coming seasons are to be just an all-around good player,” she said. “I want to work more on perfecting things that I mainly do, but also work on becoming better in new things like jump serving and back setting.”

A big reader who likes to spend time with friends and enjoys being creative by writing, Menges picks gym and language arts as her favorite classes.

On or off the court, she draws inspiration from those closest to her.

“Obviously my parents have been a huge part of who I am,” Menges said. “Also my friends have been a big part of my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.”