By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Ashley Valeria
School: Pulaski
Parents: Paula and Scott Valeria
Activity: Girls’ tennis
Nickname: Ashton
Ashley Valeria is a senior on the Pulaski girls’ tennis team.
As a junior, she won 10 matches and currently plays No. 2 singles for the Red Raiders, who are competing during the alternate fall season this spring.
Valeria said she’d love to live the life of Post Malone for a day and likes to wear Crocs around the house or after a match.
What’s it’s like playing for coach Aaron Sperduto?
“It’s created a close-knit team and is always fun. Many people I met on the tennis team have become my good friends.”
Talk about your volunteer experiences.
“I have volunteered and done community service my whole life – anywhere from feeding the homeless at shelters to highway cleanup. Volunteering helps the world, not just one particular person.”
If you were given $10,000 by a stranger, how would you use it?
“I would save it for school, but if that wasn’t in the picture, I’d use it to create a community garden.”
What’s your most memorable tennis moment?
“When I played varsity reserves. It was my first varsity match, and the win was against a No. 2 team. It earned me my first varsity letter.”
Cell phone or camera for pictures?
“Cell phone.”
In talking with your parents, what are three things different now compared to their childhood?
“Music, pop culture and fashion.”
Would you rather attend the prom or the senior ball?
“The Prom.”
Running or walking three miles?
“Running.”
What’s something about you most people don’t know?
“I didn’t pick up tennis until the eighth grade, and I enjoy gardening.”
What are your college aspirations?
“To pursue a major in art and design.”
If you were in control, what’s one thing you’d change about living in the present?
“I would end racism.”
What’s your leadership style?
“Getting to know someone first and then helping them along their way, rather than pushing people around.”
What are your two favorite area restaurants?
“Las Brisas and the Red Apple Café.”
Favorite music genre?
“Alternative pop or rock.”
What three words describe you?
“Independent, respectful, loyal.”
Three things you do in the winter to keep active?
“Go to the gym, fat-tire biking and playing ‘Just Dance.’”
US Open or Australian Open?
“I find the Australian Open more entertaining.”
Who’s your favorite professional tennis player?
“Naomi Osaka.”
Math or science?
“Science.”
Art or gym?
“Art.”
If you could board a plane tomorrow and go anywhere in the world, what would be your destination?
“Go to Australia and see the Great Barrier Reef.”
Summer or fall?
“Fall.”
Favorites
Vegetable: Carrot
Number: Four
Household item: My bed