Spotlight on: Ashley Whisonant

By Jasmine Rogers

This profile was written in 2012.

Today the spotlight is on Ashley Whisonant, a 5’5″ wide receiver for the D.C. Divas. After graduating from St. John’s College High School, Ashley went to the University of Arizona, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. A three-year starter for the Wildcats, she had a standout basketball career. As a senior, she was named team MVP and defensive MVP. She finished her career with the Arizona Wildcats ranked fifth all-time with 1,451 career points in 122 games.

When Ashley returned to the Washington, DC, area, she earned her master’s degree in special education from George Washington University. She currently teaches algebra and coaches basketball at a charter school. This Maryland native is in her second year with the D.C. Divas. In her first year with the Divas, she was named the team’s rookie of the year.

Whisonant is an outstanding athlete and enjoys playing football because of the competition. She appreciates the passion that everyone brings to the team.

Spotlight on: Ashley Whisonant

What is your biggest accomplishment in sports?
My biggest accomplishment was making the all-conference basketball team my senior year of college.

What is your favorite sports memory?
When we (Arizona) beat Oklahoma in the first round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament.

What was your biggest adjustment to football?
My biggest adjustment to football was wearing all the equipment and realizing I’m not the strongest or fastest person in the world.

What is your favorite football memory/moment?
My favorite memory has yet to come, and that’s winning the championship.

What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
My biggest challenge is to be a leader. I try to lead by example and always give 100 percent. Even though I complain a lot, I continue to work hard.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
I was told never to let anyone see you down because it shows signs of weakness.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
I don’t have a motto, but I try to find fun in all that I do.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from the joy of competing.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love to dance! I’m a shoe freak and I love to collect watches.

About Ashley Whisonant

Name: Ashley Whisonant
Age: 25
Hometown: Bowie, MD
Profession: Special Education Math Teacher
Educational Background: B.A. in psychology from University of Arizona, M.A. in special education from George Washington University
Years playing football: 2
Sports participated in: Basketball, Football, Soccer