On a bright, sunny May afternoon, Ashton Isch’s smile was big and almost as bright as the sunshine. She was beaming because she was back doing what she loves — competing in athletics.
Ashton graduates from Southern Coffey County High School Saturday afternoon. She admits, “most of my life revolves around sports. That’s what I enjoy.”
But her life also revolves around a hereditary condition that zaps her energy. At age 11, Ashton was diagnosed with Hereditary Spherocytosis, which compromised her immune system. According to Ashton, the only cure for it was the removal of her spleen.
Ashton has lived with the fact that she has to take penicillin every day. Didn’t slow her competitive spirit down at all.
“My blood cells are a different shape and my spleen was functioning incorrectly. It has been tough at times but my family and friends, teammates and coaches have helped me handle it,” Ashton said.
Ashton has been a major contributor to success in volleyball and basketball for the Southern Coffey County High Lady Titans. She holds school basketball records including hitting 129 free throws in a row during an SCCH practice session this season.
She’s also successful in the classroom. She graduates with a 3.8 grade point average.
For her drive to live her life on her terms and not allowing her health issues hold her back plus her accomplishments in the classroom and in competition, Ashton was named the national 2012 Unsung Heroine of the Year by Krossover Intelligence. She was nominated for the national award by Randy Wailing, the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association executive director.
Krossover is a New York City-based technology company with a focus on the online video search industry, specializing in sports computer software.
“What an honor. When I was told I was nominated for this award I thought it was an honor. Then to find out I won it was amazing,” Ashton said. “I don’t see myself as a hero of any kind. I just love to compete. I’ve been blessed.”
The award was to have been announced at the 2012 NCAA Final Four social in New Orleans in March. But Krossover said the number of nominees made the process impossible to complete by then. The award was announced on April 19.
Ashton had another complication arise this spring. She had knee surgery on March 23. “You know the kind that they say you should be up and going within three to seven days. My leg was hurting bad. I went back to the doctor and he said I had developed blood clots. That’s another part of my condition that we were aware of.”
She spent time in the hospital and missed playing in a basketball all-star game. “I did get out and go watch the game but then was under strict doctor’s orders to go home and go to bed for rest.”
On April 30, Ashton was cleared to start competing again. She’s been a state qualifier in long jump, triple jump, sprints and relays for Southern Coffey County High over the years. She’s hoping she’s healthy enough by next week’s Class 1A regional track meet to help the Lady Titans.
“It comes down to me listening to my body. I need to get a lot of sleep and eat foods rich in iron. There are times I can’t go hard in practices and my teammates and coaches know it. Like in basketball, I’d do ball handling skills or free throws instead of the full practice drills.
“I’d be ready to go full out in games. I’m so grateful for the support of all my teammates over the years and coaches. Without my family and all my friends, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.”
