Ashley VenHorst

UCF

Oct 2 (Thu)

7 PM

Position:
Defensive Specialist/Libero
Height:
5-7
Class:
Senior
Hometown:
Bettendorf, Iowa
High School:
Pleasant Valley

Ashley VenHorst in 2008

Ashley VenHorst played an important part in Colorado’s defense as a junior. She was one of the Buff’s most consistent passers and will be asked to play a more significant role her senior season.

As a Junior in 2007

VenHorst became a staple in the back row for the Buffaloes in 2007. She started the year out by picking up a career-high 18 digs against Tulane (8/24). VenHorst came close to that number when she recorded 17 against Missouri (10/3). She averaged 1.55 digs per game, which was fourth on the team and second by a CU defensive specialist. VenHorst saw action in all 28 matches and played in 103 games. There were four times in 2007 that she recorded more than 10 digs in a match. VenHorst notched 10 assists and three aces on the year.

As a Sophomore in 2006

VenHorst saw action in 11 games and five matches for the Buffs. She recorded 11 digs on the season. VenHorst played four games against No. 3 Washington in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. She picked up 10 digs, which was the second-best on the team. VenHorst also saw action against Central Connecticut State, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas State and Nebraska.

As a Freshman in 2005

VenHorst played in 11 contests. She totaled nine digs, three assists and one ace. VenHorst recorded a career-high six digs in three games against American (8/27) as Colorado won the American Classic Tournament. For the tournament, she recorded two assists, one ace and seven digs and four games. When the Buffs traveled to Ames, Iowa, to take on Iowa State (9/28) she had the largest cheering section with over 30 people when she came in to serve for CU at the end of the third game. VenHorst made her collegiate debut against St. Peter’s (8/27).

High School VenHorst, who is CU’s first ever player from the state of Iowa, earned four letters at setter for Pleasant Valley High School and will play defensive specialist for the Buffaloes. She is a two-time all-district and All-Mississippi Athletic Conference first team selection. VenHorst gained third team all-state honors as a senior, was named team MVP and played in the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Senior All-Star Classic. As a junior she earned all-state honorable mention while guiding the Spartans to the MAC title. A versatile athlete, she also competed in basketball, track and soccer at Pleasant Valley. She was a second team all-state performer in soccer as a junior, helping the Spartans to three regional titles.

Personal

Born Ashley Paige VenHorst on Jan. 29, 1987, in Davenport, Iowa. She is the daughter of Ron and Pauline VenHorst. Father Ron was a former collegiate wrestler at Northeast Missouri State and Muscatine Community College. She has two older brothers, Ryan (26) and Tyson (24) and one older sister Lindsey (22). Ashley lists the biggest moment of her high school career was getting to play varsity volleyball as a freshman defensive specialist while Lindsey was the senior setter. She enjoys playing sports, writing, taking pictures, cooking, traveling, skiing, hiking and watching movies.

Academics

VenHorst is majoring in English and will pursue a degree in secondary education at Colorado. She was a member of the Academic Honor Roll all eight semesters of high school. VenHorst was on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll twice.