NMMI Sports Press

NMMI senior libero Ashlynn Irish was selected to play in the Class 3A/4A State All-Star Game scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Bernalillo High School.

“I’m so proud to represent the NMMI high school volleyball program at the All-Star game,” the four-year varsity captain said. “I feel good about the progress we’ve made, especially over the past two seasons with coach (Chantale) Riddle, and I know I’ll see more Lady Colts make the All-Star team in the future.”

The 12-player Red squad is equal parts 3A and 4A players. Irish is the only All-Star from District 4 and one of only three players on either team from a school that didn’t make the playoffs.

The Lady Colts were likely a single victory away from making the Class 3A state tournament, with resounding wins over fourth-ranked Tucumcari and Dexter to close out the season. Despite not getting a chance to play for the blue trophy, Irish was happy with how her team ended 2023.

“It was frustrating at times because I knew we could play better, but it felt great to end the season playing at the best of our abilities,” she said. “To get swept and then come back and sweep a good team was a great feeling, just knowing we came together as a team and played our game.”

Riddle will have one more chance to coach her team captain as skipper of the Red team. The second-year head coach said Irish will be hard to replace, but leaves a legacy that can help build the program.

“I didn’t know much about her, but during the first practice I knew she was my captain,” Riddle said. “I saw the passion and the love of the game. NMMI was blessed to get a kid like her and she’s showing that you can have team and individual success in girls’ sports at the Institute.”

If it weren’t for the Covid-19 pandemic, Irish likely would’ve been a Coyote.

“Roswell High didn’t know when in-class learning would resume and I didn’t feel good about online studies. I chose to come to NMMI strictly for my education and at first I was mad at myself, because there wasn’t a good volleyball culture and not enough girls that really wanted to compete,” Irish said.

With only a two-decade history and just four years playing in a district with the ability to make the state tournament, the program was often looked at as a way to get out of physical training, but Riddle has changed the narrative. Cadets know they will work hard when they step in Riddle’s gym.

“I always enjoyed volleyball, but coach Riddle helped me fall in love with the game,” said Irish. “Having a coach with her knowledge and experience, that believes in you and your abilities, coaches you hard and celebrates your successes has made me want to hold on to volleyball.”

A month ago, Irish was set on going to the University of Arizona to study clinical psychology and leave competitive volleyball behind, but an exciting end to the season and the thrill of preparing to play with the best in the state has made her realize that she isn’t done with the game.

“It’s normal to be exhausted after a long season, but I know the competitor she is and when it comes time to put on the knee pads and spandex, I think she’d miss it,” Riddle said. “I want her to experience the high of playing at the college level and I think any coach would fall in love with her.”

Irish credits an old friend and Red squad teammate, Goddard’s Mireya Armendariz, with introducing her to the game.

“I started playing in seventh grade because my friend dragged me along,” laughed Irish. “She’s still one of the best players I know and even though we aren’t close anymore, she’s always been an inspiration for me. It’s fitting that our first and last games will be together.”

Irish said being a team captain for four years at a demanding school like NMMI has helped hone her leadership skills, especially on an individual level. Lady Colt fans will be happy to know one of the most talented up-and-coming players was glued to Irish all season.

“This year (Kaytlyn) Lackey was my shadow and it’s really cool to see that someone wants to watch you and be around you to learn and get better. It makes me want to be better,” she said.

Irish thanked her dad for being a fixture at her games throughout six years and 12 separate seasons of middle school, high school and club volleyball.

“He shows up for everything and it really lit the fire for me, knowing he was always there encouraging me to be my best,” she said.

A gambling man would bet that Saturday won’t be the last time Ashlynn Irish steps on the court for a competitive volleyball match, but if it is, she’s just excited to represent the school and team she took a chance on.

“I’m glad I chose to attend NMMI,” she said. “I made great friends, worked with amazing coaches and if I helped make people view Lady Colt Volleyball in a better light, I can leave feeling satisfied with my time here.”