RICHMOND, Ky. – Former Eastern Kentucky University volleyball standout Ashley Edmond has been able to keep her passion for sports, specifically volleyball, alive after graduation in her professional career by landing a job with American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) College Volleyball Prep Program. Edmond serves as an awards, events and research specialist.
 
The outside hitter started four years for the Colonels (2010-13) and was a three-time All-OVC honoree. Off the court, Edmond interned in the EKU Athletic Public Relations office for three semesters.
 
EKUSports: What are your responsibilities with the AVCA? 

Ashley Edmond: My main job is working combines. We have seven combines scheduled for 2015 that are located all across the United States. These combines are unique and unlike any other combine in the volleyball world because they are not "playing" combines. This specific combine has to deal with volleyball metrics and seeing how athletic a volleyball player is. Research has shown this is a great indication as to what level an athlete should be looking into – Division I, II or III.
 
I plan the event and make sure it runs smoothly. My duties include scheduling the event, talking to any event coordinators, making sure all information is given out, participants are registered, making sure all rooms are set up, working directly with the parents and athletes if they need any information and many other things. With awards, I work directly with the Division I and II men's group. I will also be assisting with the women's division.
 
EKUSports: Do you feel being at EKU as a student-athlete and intern in the EKU Athletic Public Relations office has helped you with the position? If so, how? 

 

AE: I believe playing in college drove me to want to stay with volleyball. Also, it made me realize how passionate I am about the sport because I come to work every day to talk about volleyball! Playing collegiate volleyball also brought something extra to the table because I understand volleyball language and I know how the sport works. I have also been a coach myself so I understand how great the AVCA is and how helpful the organization is to the volleyball world.
 
With all that being said, I did not know exactly what I wanted to do after college, but I knew I wanted volleyball to be a part of my life. After going through shoulder surgery, I knew it had to be job related. I also knew from working with the great EKU staff and under Kevin Britton, sports are my passion and something I can relate to very strongly. I was taught great sports information skills that I still use in my job today. Through the time working for EKU, I developed researching skills and learned computer programs, which prepared me for the job I am in today.
 
EKUSports: What is the best part of your job? 

AE: The best part of my job has to be the traveling. I just got back from San Jose, California and Tampa, Florida. It's awesome being able to visit areas I wouldn't be able to with any other job. I'm also lucky to have a great staff working with me.