By Ken Hansard
It would probably be a safe bet that Buhler senior center back Ashlyn Coker is very good at her job because of her propensity to stay active. When she is not on the pitch for the Crusaders, she is active in the Buhler singers, in band, and in tennis. She is a two-time state qualifier in tennis and has participated at multiple state events for band. As if all that isn’t enough, she also goes to school and works two jobs.
As for her time playing soccer, Coker stayed active enough to be recognized as a second team All-AVCTL (D-III) defender and was also named honorable mention all- state. Those efforts helped the Crusaders finish with a record of 11-1-6, culminating in a hard-fought loss to McPherson at regionals.
As a senior, Coker wants to build on her past success and leave a legacy with her younger teammates, “I’m looking forward to building relationships with my teammates and growing alongside them. I’ve been playing for a long time and have lots of experience and a high soccer IQ, so I can help coach and lead by example.”
While actions speak louder than words, Coker knows it is incumbent upon her to be the voice of the team, “I want to be more of a vocal leader; I need to speak up more. I want to be remembered as a fun person, but also as a strong leader.” As for the team and their potential, Coker remarked, “There are certain aspects that we need to work on, but I think by the end of the season, we will be a strong force.”
