Old Bridge’s Ashley Markle Reaches 1,000 Kills in Sweep Over Colonia

The illustrious career of Ashley Markle added yet another chapter, as the senior outside hitter notched her 1,000^th kill of her Old Bridge career.

Markle came into the match needing just one kill for 1,000 – and on the first rally everyone in the gymnasium knew who the ball was going to. The Florida State University beach volleyball commit sat back in serve receive waiting for the opening serve from Colonia. Markle rested both hands on her knees as she awaited the serve. Senior libero Jannah Khalil passed a time to setter Maya Lupinski, while Markle took care of the rest going cross-court and firing her 1,000^th career kill at Old Bridge.

Nothing seems to phase Ashley Markle, whether it is the sand in her eyes on the beach courts, a group 4 title match, or staring one of the most prestigious milestones a pin-hitter can eclipse.

“On the first play, I wasn’t nervous at all,” Markle said, “I love getting set and I wasn’t thinking about the 1,000 kills at the time.”

Ashley Markle has had two primary setters in her Old Bridge career – Julia Mikucki for a season, and Maya Lupinski the rest of the way. Both setters have well over 1,000 assists each, and know that it takes a good setter to help win a game. While they were winning games, they were an instrumental part of Markle’s career as a Knight.

“My setters mean the absolute most to me, and none of this could have been done without them. Both Julia and Maya are such incredible setters and I am so grateful to share the court with them,” Markle added, “Not only do I have so much appreciation for my setters, but I also could not have done this without our amazing defense. It takes our whole team in order to get these accomplishments and I cannot be more grateful for them.”

A true team player is what Markle has always been, and her team was not short of energy when it came to celebrating their outside hitter.

“It felt so accomplishing when I got my 1,000^th, especially when I saw everyone holding up hand- made posters. Everyone on my team was super excited for me, but Jannah [Khalil] gave me a huge push and Olivia [Grubb] came running over to hug me. It was the best feeling ever,” Markle said.

Markle is certainly a force to be reckoned with on the hard-court, but why did she choose beach? She credits former Georgian Court assistant and Stars and Stripes Beach Volleyball Club coach John Bracco.

“Coach John Bracco introduced me to Stars and Stripes Beach Volleyball Club. I tried out and made the team. The first time I ever played on sand, I totally fell in love with the game all over again. There’s a lot of differences from indoor and beach, but my favorite is that you are more in control of the game in beach, since there are only 2 on a court. I also love playing in different conditions, rather than just inside a gym,” Ashley Markle explained, “Playing beach, you get to experience extremely hot, windy and freezing conditions, so you have to be prepared for everything. Not to mention my ultimate favorite part, getting to play your favorite sport in such amazing places right on the beach.”

Sure, playing on a beach has its perks, and moving in the stand can also serve as a mechanism for which one can be sped up for the indoor game. It is much harder to run and jump in the sand, well, maybe not for Markle.

Volleyball runs deep in the Markle household. Ashley’s sister had a strong influence on her, while her brother Troy made his own mark at Old Bridge. Troy tallied 1,758 assists at Old Bridge en route to earning a spot playing D1 volleyball for Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck.

“I started playing volleyball when I was 5. My older sister also played for Coach Hopman, so when I was dragged to her games, I thought I might as well learn how to play,” Markle added, “My brother and I joined CJVA together and fell in love with it ever since. My siblings were a huge part of how I started playing.”

Not only did she tally her 1,000^th kill, but she did it at home in front of her friends and family.

“Achieving this milestone felt so incredibly special when I was at home. It made me even happier when I looked over and saw my family with a big smile on their face, which I knew they were super proud of me,” the senior phenom added, “Another bonus to achieving this at home was the amazing staff that came to support too. Old Bridge is such a special place! There is simply nothing like getting 1,000 when your favorite teachers and staff members are there to see it.”

Old Bridge swept the match 2-0 (25-15, 25-10) and since then has also defeated Piscataway to improve to 3-0 on the season.