Ashley Mullen is a true freshman setter from Kansas City, Mo. She enrolled at UCLA in during the Winer 2022 Quarter. Mullen was named an AVCA First Team High School All-American and UnderArmour All-American her senior year in 2022. She is part of head coach Alfee Reft’s first freshman class.
Q: You enrolled into UCLA early during the Winter 2022 Quarter. How was it taking UCLA classes for the first time and getting acquainted to campus?
AM: I think the biggest thing was how much time I have. During high school, I used to be in school for eight hours a day and then going to practice right after, whether it’s high school or club. But having that difference to where it’s now practicing earlier in the morning. We had that the first quarter: practice, then lift and then school. Then I had the rest of the day. It was crazy how much more time I had and learning how to manage my time. I feel like that allowed me to do more fun things as well. It allowed me more time to get to know the team really quick which was nice. … Taking classes was different because when I went to high school there were a lot of student-athletes everywhere. At UCLA, there are maybe 1-2 student-athletes in your classes. I was like ‘man, there aren’t that many people around that are like me all the time.’ Everybody is here for academics, so they’re really smart. I have a lot of respect for them.
Q: What’s it been like getting to explore Los Angeles?
AM: It’s been so fun because I feel like each of my teammates have a different area they really love and things they like to do. Like Anna (Dodson) has connections and has us going somewhere for food. It’s so fun. Every time I’m like, ‘Anna, I’m spending way too much money’ but she’s like ‘we have to try this place!’ We went to this pizza place called Maria’s Italian Kitchen in Brentwood. It was probably the best pizza I’ve ever had. But also, Lamonica’s here in Westwood has my heart.
Q: You followed through with your commitment after signing with a different UCLA staff in November 2022. What was that time in your life like waiting to find out UCLA’s new coach?
AM: It was definitely a tough time. The thought in my head was, ‘Oh my gosh. What’s going to happen? Is everything going to be O.K.?’ I chose UCLA because I loved it. My parents always said choose the school, no matter the coach…
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