Ashley Pelletier earned the top spot on the Lake Region Alpine Ski team last Thursday coming in 13th overall in the Giant Slalom Race at Pleasant Mountain. 

“Ashley is a hard worker in practice, in the classroom and consistently earns the top spot for the Lady Lakers,” Laker Coach Kurt Berger said. “Her hard work, love of racing, and technical skills serves as a role model for all members of the team. 

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Ashley is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Player of the Week

Name: Ashley Pelletier

Year in School: Junior

Hometown: Bridgton

Parents: Keith and Lynne Pelletier

Sports you Play: Field Hockey, Ski Racing and Lacrosse

School honors: National Honor Society

Q. Why did you choose alpine skiing? I was put into ski racing by my parents when I was 6, so I’ve been competing for 11 years now. I stuck with it as other sports came and went because of how different it is than other sports. Due to it being an individual sport, a good team is really important and I think I’ve found the best teams in my life, especially the LR team.

Q. Complete the following, “I know I’ve had a good race if…” I know I’ve had a good race if many other racers come up to me and tell me it was a good run. My coaches, teammates, and parents all tell me that every run is a good run but if the other top racers in the state come up to me and say it was a good run then it must have been a good run. If I come across the finish line smiling and happy about the run I just laid down, then that is a pretty good indicator, as well. 

Q. What goes through your mind before a big race? Before a race, I don’t really think about much. At the top and bottom before/after my runs, I’m talking to friends on other teams, my teammates, coaches from other teams and my coaches, as well. Doing this really takes my mind off of the actual race, it really helps me stay in a positive mindset. 

Q. If things are not going well, what do you do to rebound and clear your mind to be more positive? When I need to clear my mind after a bad run or not the best day of training, I love going to my teammates and talking to them about how their run was or how their training day went. Helping my teammates get better and feel better about themselves really helps me get into a more positive mindset. 

Q. How has sports changed you as a person? I feel like sports has helped me grow as a person. I have become more independent and I have learned how to advocate for myself, communicate with others and be a part of a community and something larger than myself.

Q. What is the biggest reward you get from competing in sports? The biggest reward I get from competing in sports is when I am producing good results and making everyone who has helped me proud of what we’ve accomplished.