(Banner Photo by Doc Smith) Bullard girls three-sport standout, Ashley Ricci signed a national letter-ofintent high jump at Jacksonville State University in Alabama this past week among a packed house at Owens Auditorium, as teammates, friends, coaches and family watched last Friday. Pictured from front row, from left-to-right: father, Randy, signee, Ashley, mother, Mona, grandmother Monnie Pilgrim, and Bullard High School head girls track coach, Nanci Dixon. Back row are teammates, Ashlee Shidler, TNi Johnson, Valarie Roberts, Bailee Callens, Kylee Nichols, and Ashley Phillips. Senior, Ashley Ricci had hopes that she was going to get to high jump, since beginning at age 14. Now, Ricci after competing at regionals in Humble, turns from Lady Panther to a Lady Tiger.

Recently, with an Owens Auditorium audience of family, friends, teammates, and coaches, Ricci signed a track and field scholarship to go to Jackson State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Not going the route that usual track competitors go, Ricci being a three-sport star for BHS, had little time to concentrate on any one sport in particular and only ran track for the Lady Panthers.

Ashley found immediate success in the event, qualifying for regionals all three varsity years, thus far, and is headed back to Humble for one last chance for a state trip to Austin.

Touted by other schools such as Stephen F. Austin, Memphis, and Alaska, it was the atmosphere that most made Ricci’s decision.

Jacksonville Alabama, was just like Bullard,” Ricci said, “but ten hours away.

“Their team is very close and really easy to get along with,” the basketball and volleyball player added, about her future teammates.

It has been a great four years for Ricci at BHS, but none of it was possible without the support of two very special people in Ashley’s life- mother, Mona, and father, Randy, and the school.

“Knowing that this is my last year, they have been there for me with so much support from the school and my parents,” Ricci added.

Another main influence on Ricci in her tenure as a coach at BHS has been head track coach, Nanci Dixon.

“Coach D is my homegirl!” Ricci said, smiling really big. “She has taught me everything I know and I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do without her next year.”

But asked about her biggest BHS moment, has been over the long-term.

“Growing to know some amazing people and getting the chance to achieve so many dreams has been unbelievable,” Ricci said. “I just want to thank everyone who has stood behind me in everything I do, and making it so much easier to continue with what God has in store for me.”

Ricci plans to major in teaching at JSU, a member of the Division I, South West Athletic Conference (SWAC).

In closing, Ricci was asked about the recent changes in the BHS coaching staff, and new AD, Shannon Wilson in particular.

“Oh, he is the sweetest guy, and he fits in perfectly,” Ricci said in closing. “From right off the bat he came in, supported the team and me, and I know the team appreciated his interest even in the seniors he won’t have coming back.”

Good luck, Ashley at Jackson State but don’t make it ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. We will miss you.

SPECIAL NOTE - Ashley Ricci won first place at the Class 3A Region III Track and Field Championships in Humble on Monday, when all competition was completed. Ricci won with a 5”4’ leap, and will got to the UIL State Championships after twoo near misses iin earlier years.