Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Washington.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashton. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Coming into college, I had the dream of becoming the next Anderson Cooper. I always told myself, news is where I wanted to be. Little did I know that after my collegiate fall semester of sophomore year, I was completely wrong.
Starting off my young career at one of the top news stations in Austin, TX and ranking as the youngest person during that fall internship session among others who were seniors I began to make a mark for myself. Three things I took away after that internship was 1, never quit something even if you don’t like it, 2, follow your TRUE passion not what looks good and 3, news was definitely not for me.
Growing up, I’ve always been surrounded by sports and specifically football. From my dad leading as one of the top wide receivers coming out of the state of Mississippi to my cousin breaking records at the University of Tennessee and getting drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Yet, football hasn’t always been the love of my life as I should say. For instance, my dad coached my younger brother’s little league football teams and due to my dad being the coach, I had to be at every game and any football related event. Yes, I hated every second of it and would “act up” the night before an event or game just so I could be in trouble and have to stay home.
I never would’ve imagined that I would be spending the rest of my life on the sidelines of a football field and actually loving every moment of it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Success is not perfection and that’s something that I’ve continued to learn over the course of my young career.
Yes, just like anyone choosing to follow their dreams and who’s driven by their own internal passion there’s going to be multiple struggles along the way.
I can say that one of my biggest struggles have been those moments I sat in my room and thought to myself is any of this even worth it? Am I becoming something or am I just falling backwards to square one?
When negative thoughts come into my mind or I start question my progression I tend to sit down pray and then begin to regain my focus.
My dad, my best friend, and mentor always tells me that when negative thoughts come into your mind – do something productive that can help you excel to the next level. Never sit around and think yourself into a negative mood or clog your head up with negative things. A person who lives a negative life will not gain anything but a negative headache.
A quote that continues to push me during those good days and those bad days is, “Patience is when you’re supposed to be mad, but you choose to understand.” This quote not only stands for what I believe in, patience but proves that when you work hard and have patience you are able to attain the greatness your heart desires.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I currently cover high school football recruiting better known as the “big sister of recruiting.”
I follow all athletes from no stars to five-stars, during their recruitment and support them throughout the process such as SAT and ACT prep as well as a motivational speaker for these athletes.
I’ve done various public speaking engagements across the state of Texas not just in your typical business setting but sideline huddles at football events and camps.
My passion is to get these athletes to the next level and be successful within their own lives and that’s not just playing football but outside of the sport.
I am known for my authentic personality and my ability to show a genuine passion for the athletes that I am interviewing on camera and providing them an opportunity to relax and have a good time and understand that this recruiting process is an exciting part of their lives.
I am most proud of my ability to relate to all different types of people across different walks of life.
What sets me apart from others is when I walk onto a football field or recruiting events I am distingued as the breath of fresh air and bringing in that relax family discussion type atmosphere to parents, athletes and coaches alike.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is enjoying what you do and loving every moment of the hard times as well as those good times.
In all honesty, it’s not about how much money you make but the legacy you leave after you’ve fulfilled you’re calling.
The criteria I look for when defining what success is happens to be someone who’s driven with a passion who just doesn’t take a no. Instead, they use that no to be motivation to not just stop in their tracks but still pursue what they want out of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theoldcoach.com
- Email: ashtonwashington11@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tocashtonw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashton.washington.980
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOCAshtonW
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCal0Dqm11g2K7ssecIpWwkA?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Joe Hamilton
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