#thisishandball

Hello, World!  Long time, no talk…I know, my bad!  I am hoping that the whole "better late than never" saying applies here :)  It's been just over a year since my last blog, and I promise to do a better job posting updates over the next 365 days!  So here it goes: This blog provides a brief update on my adventure with USA Team Handball (USATH).

It’s been about two years since I first saw this sport in the 2012 Summer Olympics and what started as a far-fetched dream has turned into my reality, training every day with USA Team Handball and a chance to qualify and compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.  While it’s certainly not an easy road, I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and confident this is where I am suppose to be right now.

This November marks my one year anniversary of moving to Auburn, Alabama, and being in full time residency for USATH.  The consistent practice and time on the court is invaluable.  In addition to training full time in Auburn, the Women’s National Team has also traveled on three international preparation tours.  We are planning for two more tournaments before year end, including games on our home court at Auburn University (more to come on this soon)!  These are important opportunities for us to play good competition and improve exponentially faster through game experience.  They also validate our progression as a team, allowing us to see our improvement resulting from full time training. 

Hands down, this has been one of the most exciting, humbling, and life changing times of my life.  I'll be honest, learning a new sport in your late twenties is difficult.  Also, The USA is a bit of an underdog in team handball, much like the 1980 USA Hockey MIRACLE team. However, I believe some of life’s greatest rewards come from facing and persevering through our greatest challenges.  We have an awesome group of hardworking female athletes and an outstanding, internationally respected coaching staff.  We believe we can achieve our dreams of qualifying for the Olympics and that hope drives us to keep working hard and improve every day!  

 “America doesn’t send athletes to the Olympics, Americans do!” This is not just a catchy Team USA slogan; it’s the truth, and there are multiple ways you can support me on this journey.  First, I ask for your prayers and encouragement.  My ultimate goal is that I will honor God, Country, family, and friends and be a good role model and positive influence to those around me.  Yes, I want us to qualify for Rio and for us to do well at the 2016 Olympics.  Most importantly though, I want to reflect God's love and character to others.  If through this experience, I can positively impact others' lives, I will be satisfied.  

Second, I ask that you consider donating to our cause.  USATH, a 501 (c)(3) organization, does not currently have the necessary funds to help the athletes offset expenses while training.   Each athlete pays her own room, board, and any other living expenses, including additional travel costs for competitions.  All donations are tax deductible and extremely helpful as they go directly into funding my training and travel expenses for USATH.  If you would like to give, donations can be made online at www.crowdrise.com/ashleyvanryn.  Finally, you can show your support through simple word of mouth strategy: talk about USA Team Handball with others and attend events and games when possible!