MSHSL History Capsule: Ashley Wittman

During the recently completed Minnesota State High School Volleyball State Tournament, numerous pop-up conversations ensued about some of the great teams and players that competed in the event. Shakopee’s Ashley Wittman was a big part of the conversation.

Wittman, a 2010 graduate of Shakopee High School, is one of the most decorated student-athletes in the history of Minnesota girls volleyball. In addition to leading the Sabers to three big-school state championships in 2007, 2008 and 2009, she was also the national player of the year in 2009.

In an interview with the League, Wittman said the memories of time with teammates stand out much more than personal glory.

“When I think back to high school volleyball, I remember the state tournaments. We stayed in a hotel, we got to hang out with each other, the whole experience of playing in the state tournament multiple years in a row,” she said. “I loved playing with all of my teams. … I just remember so much of what I got to experience with my friends. We were all very close, hanging out all the time.”

Wittman moved on to the University of Minnesota where she was a pivotal figure in the Gophers’ surge to national prominence. She was an All-Big Ten selection and received All-American honors. After graduating with a degree in sports management, she played professionally before returning to Minnesota.