The closing of a players’ collegiate career is often times used for reflection and an opportunity to start looking toward the future.
For Shippensburg University women’s soccer player Ashley Weaver, her playing career with the Raiders may have come to an end, but the Raider standout is looking to move forward with her playing career as well as her professional career.
Weaver hopes to continue playing soccer professionally, if possible.
Weaver also has a dream to pursue a degree in psychology by attending a graduate program with a focus of applied behavioral analysis, in hopes of becoming a behavioral specialist.
This summer, Weaver plans to continue playing soccer with the semi-professional Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Hershey FC women’s soccer team. Weaver has played for WPSL Hershey FC since it was established two years ago.
This season with the Raiders, Weaver scored six goals, helping lead the team to a record of 10–7–1. Weaver believes the season was a successful one.
“I thought this season, as a team, we really developed a better team culture and it showed in the way we played,” Weaver said. “We were able to beat, or come so close to winning against some of the toughest teams in the conference.”
Weaver also discussed the team’s ability to succeed off the field.
As a team, the Raiders were among the top of the list nationally for team cumulative grade point average. As a team, the Raiders finished the fall semester with a team GPA of 3.4, Weaver said.
During the season, Weaver was named PSAC Athlete of the Week for women’s soccer, becoming the first Raider to be honored in seven seasons.
Weaver scored crucial goals that week, including the game-winning goal against Seton Hill University.
“To be honored as the first PSAC Athlete of the Week for Ship women’s soccer in seven years was simply a feeling I cannot describe,” Weaver said. “I’m extremely grateful for this recognition, and I am especially grateful for the people that unconditionally encouraged me to reach my fullest potential.”
As a team, the Raiders were extremely successful Weaver’s freshman season, advancing to the NCAA Tournament before falling in the first round.
“As a freshman, I never expected us to go as far as we did,” Weaver said. “I still talk about how awesome it felt to experience the PSAC Playoffs and the NCAA Tournament.”
Weaver’s freshman season is also her favorite memory of her playing career at SU.
“The rush of eight overtime wins, going to penalty kicks with [California University of Pennsylvania], and qualifying for the first round of the NCAA Tournament was all I could have asked for. There is nothing more I could have asked for there than the dedication and heart that led us there. It was truly a thrill,” Weaver said.
Moving forward with her career, Weaver will miss her teammates and coaches the most.
“I think the part I loved most about playing is seeing how much my teammates and even my coaches progress throughout the time I’ve been with them,” Weaver said. “I definitely hope to catch some of their games next fall to see some of the older girls finish out their careers.”
After the season ended, Weaver was recognized for her performances on and off the field, receiving an All-PSAC Second-Team selection while also being named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of American All-Atlantic Region team.
“I felt really grateful to receive these honors for myself, my team, my coaches, family and any others that lead me to become the player I am today,” Weaver said. “Given that I was named the All-PSAC Second Team and the NSCAA All-Atlantic Third Team near the end of my collegiate career, it felt like the cherry on top after playing and unconditionally loving the game for the past 16 years.”
Weaver now looks to her professional career, where she has high aspirations to become a behavioral specialist. With certification, Weaver could continue at the Bureau of Autism Services where she has interned before, and could continue to work and assist individuals over the age of 21.
“My job would be to develop individualized plans to help [people with autism] live more independently, while also allowing them to integrate with society,” Weaver said.
Weaver has also considered pursuing psychology in the form of criminal behavior.
One thing is for certain, while Weaver has scored a lot of goals in her life, her aspirations and ability to find the back of the net and achieve her goals, – on and off the field – is one of her most valuable assets.
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