North Carolina State University Athletics
Miller Finds a Home in the Pack
1/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Jan. 31, 2011
RALEIGH, N.C. --- When highly sought tennis standout Ashley Miller signed with South Carolina in 2007, NC State women’s coach Hans Olsen figured his relentless recruiting effort had been in vain.
Two years later, he found out it wasn’t. Out of the blue he got a call from Miller, saying she wanted to transfer to State after a frustrating freshman season at South Carolina.
Though taking a circuitous route to Raleigh, she joined the Pack in '09 and the switch is panning out well for the former New York high school state champ. Bouncing back from a shattered wrist and ensuing surgery last March, Miller is contributing in a variety of ways.
She carved an 8-3 singles record and 4-1 doubles mark in the fall and shares a No. 86 NCAA Division I doubles ranking with freshman Christy Sipes.
“We were excited to get her,’’ said Olsen, whose phone calls and long trips to watch Miller play did pay off after all. “She’s a great kid, great addition to the team, brings leadership, a lot of positives. She’s the kind of person you want to have.”
Miller can serve. She can volley. She can win. And she’s enjoying life in Wolfpack Country.
“I love the coaches (Olsen and assistant Susanne Depka); I really connected with the girls and feel I fit in perfectly,’’ Miller said. “As soon as I visited in (2009), I loved the campus. I knew it was where I wanted to go.”
About the only thing she doesn’t like around here is grits, and she hasn't cultivated a taste for sweet tea. Hey, different food for different folks.
DEALING WITH ADVERSITY
Her experience at South Carolina didn’t turn out like Miller -- the No. 39th ranked prospect on Tennisrecruit.net in 2007 -- dreamed it would.
Admittedly nervous and feeling external pressure, she posted a modest 7-6 record at No. 5 and No. 6 singles and went 5-8 in doubles.
So as Miller's future in Columbia dimmed, she said South Carolina coach Arlo Elkins told her she should transfer and helped with the process.
Not that life has been all serves, volleys and victories at State.
Off to a solid start last spring, Miller, a 5-8, “athletic” junior, fell on her right wrist while running backwards in a fitness workout. Pop. Pop. Pop. Pop. Four broken bones.
Wally Andrew, a noted Raleigh orthopedic surgeon and long-time NC State team physician, put a plate and six screws in the wrist. Miller was sidelined about six months, but during rehabilitation practiced using her left hand.
“That improved my backhand,’’ she said, pulling out the silver lining from an injury that left a considerable battle scar on her wrist.
That's her nature, looking for the bright spots.“She’s a real upbeat person, has had a consistent, positive attitude,’’ Olsen said. “She’s back to 100 percent and had a great fall.”
DIFFERENT TUNE
Miller revs up listening to upbeat music before matches and then tries to parlay her serve, net skills and athletic mobility to beat down opponents.
In doubles, she bonded early with Sipes, who arrived last fall from the West Coast.
“She showed me around,’’ Sipes said. “She’s nice. We warmed up real fast."
On the court, they work on the same wavelength, giving each other a certain look or “extra high five” on the big points, according to Sipes.
“We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,’’ Sipes said. “There’s a good balance.”
Neither will predict how far up the ladder they can climb this spring. Bottom line, they’ve simply got to win a lot of matches.
An all-around athlete, Miller started specializing in tennis in the eighth grade, won championships, and honed her game -- especially serve and volley -- under coach Mark Savage. Though not emulating another player, she has long admired Roger Federer for his poise, exquisite skill and touch in the clutch.
In addition to the coaching, Miller had a strong athletic influence growing up. Dad Gregg played college football at Buffalo; brother Matt was a four-sport performer in high school; and Mom Karen used to be a cheerleader.
In an effort to maximize her State experience, Miller follows a structured schedule, which is mostly: class, tennis, eat, sleep. Her outings generally revolve around going to other Wolfpack team’s games.
A program management major, her dream job is to stage big events in big venues, like Madison Square Garden.
But for now, she is in a comfort zone again, playing tennis, enjoying teammates, thriving in the Wolfpack lair...
- By A.J. Carr
