OP soccer standout signs with Daemen
Originally published in the March 16 issue of the Orchard Park Press.
Ashley Griffin, a senior at Orchard Park High School and leading scorer for the girls varsity soccer team last fall, has committed to play at Daemen College.
“A lot went into the decision,” said Griffin, who chose Daemen over LeMoyne College in Syracuse. “I’m family-oriented. If I played at LeMoyne, my parents wouldn’t be able to go out and see me as much. Daemen is local and had a lot of opportunities for me.”

Ashley Griffin
Griffin, who will study to be a physician’s assistant, said she liked the programs at both Daemen and LeMoyne, but felt the support from her parents, grandmother, sister and brother was important.
“It was definitely my deciding factor,” said the oldest of Danielle and Brad Griffin’s three children.
Attending school locally will provide Griffin’s family the opportunity to attend games more easily, but it will also allow Griffin to stay close to her doctor.
Griffin suffers from Crohn’s Disease, a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal tract.
Griffin was diagnosed with the disease during her freshman year, but nine goals and three assists in her first year on the varsity squad as a sophomore suggested the disease would not have a major impact on her play.
But prior to her junior season, Griffin’s experienced complications when her medication stopped working effectively. As a result, she lost nearly 30 pounds.
“I wasn’t in shape,” Griffin said of the disease’s impact on her weight and strength. “I didn’t have the endurance and stamina I usually do.”
Griffin’s production on the soccer field suffered. She scored just four goals and two assists in her junior season.
Crohn’s Disease is not curable, but sufferers can experience periods of remission. Griffin’s medication was changed and her attention to her diet resulted in a strong senior season in the fall. She scored a team-high 12 goals to go with four assists in helping the Lady Quakers to their second straight berth in the sectional semifinal championship.
Griffin expressed an interest in becoming a surgeon, but feels the stress of a doctor’s schedule would not correspond well with her disease.
As a physician’s assistant, she would have a more manageable schedule while still taking part in surgeries, x-rays and post-surgery care.
“I (would) still do all the things I want to do as a doctor, but have a more structured life,” she said.
As far as playing soccer for the Wildcats, Griffin said a campus walk with one of the team’s captains provided comfort that she can contribute to the team.
Daemen is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Wildcats finished the 2011 season with 15-4 overall mark with an 11-1 record in the American Mideast Conference.
“I hope to bring dedication and motivation to program,” said Griffin, who will receive a partial athletic scholarship and a community scholarship. “From all the other experiences I’ve had, the teams have been like families so I’d like to keep that.”












