By Cristian Corbett, Swimming World College Intern
Staff Sgt. Ashley Anderson is a unique kind of athlete. She has made it her goal to overcome any and all challenges that she may come across in her life, and that’s exactly what she’s doing.
Ashley was born in the town of Winnebago, Minnesota to Sheri and David Anderson, and has two brothers, Keri and Garrett.
Sports were always a big part of Ashley’s life. When she was younger, her babysitters would call her a “pool rat” because she was always around a pool. Ashley became a lifeguard when she got older.
Ashley attended college at Minnesota State University where she completed two years of General studies and was accepted into the Medical Assisting Program at Rasmussen College.
Photo Courtesy: Warrior Transition Command
In June of 2008, 22-year-old Ashley joined the Army Reserves as a 31E Internment Resettlement Specialist.
“I joined not only to serve my country but to be competitive and challenge myself more. I like to challenge myself with different things,” Ashley said.
She deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2012 with the 348th Military Police Company, followed by a second deployment to Guantanamo with the 339th Military Police Company.
While serving, Ashley suffered a herniated disc.
“Gradually my back over the last few years had started to really hurt, I think through the military and what not, I went in for an MRI and it became herniated.”
Along with this, she also suffers from neurocardiogenic syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness associated with a drop in arterial blood pressure, quickly followed by a slowed heart rate.
“My heart and my brain are not connecting correctly at times,” Ashley explained. “At different times or situations, I faint. I had a heart monitor inserted into my chest.”
This affected Ashley while served in the military while under circumstances such as being in formation, and being out in the heat.
As a result of this, Ashley also suffered from depression and eating disorders. Despite these hardships, sports are still an enormous part of Ashley’s life. In high school, Ashley was a phenomenal athlete in multiple sports including basketball, track and field, volleyball and softball. Ashley would have added swimming to her high school lineup, but her small school didn’t have a team.
“Outside of sports, I don’t have many hobbies. I do love to paint, and cook with my friends, but I do a lot of sports.”
Ashley enjoys golfing, wakeboarding and any other sport that can provide her with a challenge.
In 2015, Ashley competed in her first Warrior Games, as a member of the Army’s team and represented them again this year. The Warrior Games are an event held for all branches of the military for the wounded and ill. Each branch of the military has a team and they all compete against each other in different events such as archery, air rifle, swimming, volleyball, track and field, and cycling. At the Games she will be competing in the shotput, discus, volleyball and swimming events. Ashley found her happy place in the pool.
“Swimming gave me more confidence in myself. It takes my mind off of my injuries and illnesses. I just love the water,” Ashley said.
Ashley went to explain that the Games are much more than just an event. She loves being able to go to a place where she can relate to someone and share inspiring stories with each other.
“I always look forward to the Games; it’s just an awesome experience,” Ashley said. “It really brings me out of my dark place and it’s like a family. I am always happy with the people here and laughing. It’s not really about the medals, it’s really about the experience and the inspiration and being able to relate to all the other wounded and ill.”
Ashley’s future plans include coaching and helping individuals overcome their physical challenges. If there’s one thing you can learn from Ashley, it’s this:
“Life gets better, no matter what position or mindset you are in, it’s all about what you do with your life.”
Ashley Anderson may be wounded, but she is most definitely a warrior.