Aug. 13, 2012

BERKELEY - As the California volleyball 2012 season approaches, CalBears.com will be looking back at some of the former talented Golden Bears who have helped build the perennial powerhouse and the jerseys they wore. With 12 days remaining until the start of this year's campaign, CalBears.com caught up with Ashleigh Turner, who sported No. 12 from 2000-03.

Student-Athlete Spotlight - Ashleigh Turner (2000-03)
Out of the starting gate, Turner played in all 28 matches as a freshman in 2000, notching a team-high 31 aces. She put up a career-high of 16 digs against Arizona State during her sophomore year. Turner allied 94 digs and 10 aces in 22 matches of play in 2002. As a senior in 2003, she posted 109 digs before graduating with a degree in English.

CalBears.com: What made you choose your number?

Ashleigh Turner: I didn't actually choose the jersey No. 12. I have worn that number and stuck with it since I started playing around age eight, so maybe it chose me?

CalBears.com: What does it mean to be one of the Bears to have worn your number?

AT: I feel lucky to have been a Bear to wear any number! I was able to get that jersey number easily (sometimes people can be protective of their numbers), and I think that is indicative of how the team played together on and off the court. We came from different places and had different experience levels, but we all just kind of fit!

CalBears.com: What was your favorite Golden Bear memory?

AT: My favorite memory would absolutely have to be when we beat Stanford in 2003. This was a five-game match, was super close the entire time, but we pulled it off in the end, and it was one of the greatest moments on the court. That night we had record attendance, and when we broke their 40-match winning streak against the Bears everyone in the stands rushed the court, our parents were crying, and and there was a lot of celebrating taking place!

AT: Volleyball in general has done so much for me, but being a Cal Bear has far-reaching rewards that will affect my life forever. I think that being a college athlete provides a special situation in that you are able to form such tight bonds with your teammates and the people around you. The relationships that are formed when you are killing yourself at practice, winning and losing games and going through the program will stay with you forever! My teammates are still my best friends, and we have a lot of great memories to look back on in that gym!

CalBears.com: What are you up to these days?

AT: My husband and I recently moved to Atlanta from Los Angeles, where I worked in the museum and fine art industry as an exhibits coordinator and consultant. I am thinking about going back to school to finish my art degree (too bad I don't have another year of eligibility!), and I'm playing as much volleyball out here as I possibly can.

All-Time No. 12 Jersey Wearers:
Lindsay Elgin (2011)
Carly Bouza (2006)
Ellen Orchard (2004)
Ashleigh Turner (2000-03)
Sarah Waltman (1996-98)
Reneé Gutierrez (1991-93)
Dione Wilbur (1990)
Sienna Curci (1989)
Karen Smith (1988)
Wendy Whiting (1986-87)
Kelly Bates (1985)
Marty Martinson (1983)

By the Numbers:(click to read)
44
25
21
20
14
12

Are you a former California volleyball student-athlete and interested in participating in our countdown? Please email calsid_volleyball at Berkeley.edu.