ARLINGTON, Texas -- UTA volleyball opens its 2018 season on Aug. 24 and will feature a roster filled with 10 newcomers. Get to know UTA's incoming class in a series of features on UTAMavs.com!

Today, learn all about UTA freshman outside hitter Addie Ashton, a native of Zionsville, Ind. Ashton starred for Zionsville High School, leading her team to a 29-3 record in 2017 with 127 kills and a .229 hitting percentage.

At what age did you begin playing volleyball?
AA: 14

Why did you start playing volleyball?
AA: My best friend played club volleyball and we really did everything together, 24/7, so I started going to open gyms with her.

What is your earliest memory of volleyball?
AA: I remember in the seventh grade I tried out for the school team even though I'd never hit a ball in my entire life. I got cut, obviously, but I was devastated for weeks and then I started playing club.

Who is a current/former collegiate or professional volleyball athlete whom you admire and why?
AA: Dustin Watten. He's my inspiration because he always gives 110-percent and last year he didn't end up making the final roster for the men's USA team, but he continues to chase his dreams and passions.

What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
AA: My dad (Brett), my step-mom (Jillian), my mom (Kirstan), my two brothers (Christian and David) and my grandparents (Bill, Pat, David and Sheryl). The family member that has made the biggest impact on my life would be my grandpa, Bill, because he's always pushed me to be the best I can be and I can go for absolutely anything. He's my best friend and he's so excited to see what I do with my time at UTA.

What are the strengths of your volleyball game? What are the areas you are currently trying to work on the most?
AA: I'm strongest at blocking and I'm working on defense and reading the offense of the other team better to put myself in the most successful place to be defensively.

Why did you decide to attend the UT Arlington?
AA: It felt like home! I love the campus, the academics are amazing and the coaches are awesome. It feels like I haven't stepped out of Zionsville when I'm on campus and I couldn't imagine choosing anywhere else.   

What are your individual and team goals at UT Arlington?
AA: Individually, I'm just trying to become a better person and player overall. As a team, I think it'd be really cool to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. We're totally capable of doing it, and with the incredibly talented girls I'll be with the next four years, it's going to be exciting to see what we can all do to create a legacy as a team.

What is your academic major and why did you select that major?
AA: Psychology. I watch way too much Criminal Minds, so that probably helped, but I think it's really cool how our brains make us do certain things. Everyone's brain is wired differently and chemical balances and imbalances causing physical and emotional actions are so fascinating.

What are your career goals (after volleyball) and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
AA: I really want to do something in the FBI or work with the state police as a profiler. It'd be so cool to help figure out why people do what they do and the differences in how they can be helped.

Have there been any big obstacles that you have had to overcome in your life? How did you overcome them and how did that experience help shape you?
AA: My mom lived in Texas for a couple of years for a job opportunity but she was diagnosed with cancer while she was away. It was really difficult to watch her go through it and when we were there during holidays, taking care of her was always a little rough but she's ok now! It just made me appreciate everything that I have and can do because nothing is really every guaranteed.

What do you enjoy doing outside of volleyball and school?
AA: Hiking, spending time with friends and painting.

Do you have any pets? What are their names and what role do they play in your life?
AA: I have two dogs (Bennett and Otis) and two turtles (Crush and Squirt). I love all of them but I really love dogs, and mine are my best friends!

What is something most people might not know about you?
AA: I'm a triplet!

What would you most like to be known for as a UT Arlington volleyball player?
AA: I just want to be the best teammate I can be. We're all coming in to play for an incredible school with an incredible staff, and if I can contribute to that in any way, then that's what I want to be known for!

What advice would you give to a young girl who would like to one day be in your shoes?
AA: Appreciate every game, practice and rep. It goes by way to fast and I'm sure the next four years are going to fly by, so don't take any of it for granted and have fun. Always give 100-percent and things will always fall into place.

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