Athlete of the Week: Ashley Hodel
Wednesday, October 30th, 2024
Ashley Hodel, goalkeeper for the Wolves Women's Soccer team.
Look back through the history of the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC), and you will find a handful of dual-sport athletes. Interestingly, you will find even fewer who have competed in the Conference Championships of two sports in the same season. Last weekend, fourth-year nursing student-athlete Ashley Hodel did just that - accomplishing a feat only a handful of athletes can celebrate. She represented the Wolves at the ACAC Women's Soccer, and Cross Country Running Championship. For this remarkable achievement, she was nominated as the Wolves Athlete of the Week, presented by Redbelfit Nutrition.
On Friday evening, in front of a supportive home crowd, goalkeeper Hodel delivered an impressive performance on the pitch. She dispensed 12 critical saves that kept the squad competitive throughout the game. In a fast-paced match against the number two-ranked Red Deer Queens, her composure under pressure not only solidified the defence but also inspired the Lady Wolves to play through adversity.
At noon on Saturday, the starting gun kicked off the ACAC Cross Country Running Championships. Hodel, alongside more than 60 other runners, took her talents from the pitch to the 6km trail at St Mary's University in Calgary, AB. With athleticism and a relentless drive to be a top-performing athlete, Hodel brought the same determination and grit to the race. She was the first Wolf across the finish line with a time of 28:16, good enough for 24th place overall and her second ACAC Championship appearance within 24 hours.
Ashley is a motivated team player who brings out the best in herself and others says Wolves Athletic Director James Phillips. Her willingness to leave it all out on the pitch or trail is admirable, and we are incredibly proud she is part of the Pack. Congratulations, Ashley!
