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In the Arena with Allie Skaggs – Ashley Kowalewski

(Catherine Regan Photos/Arizona Athletics)

Hi guys! We’re back! 

A brief update… we are officially in Louisville, Kentucky, where I was raised! My next piece will be a recap of this trip, but for now, I am going to be telling you about one of my favorite strength trainers, Ashley Kowalewski

Ashley, or AK as we call her, is one of the most influential people in my life. She was our strength trainer for two of my seasons and I am so thankful to have her as a part of my journey. 

As a human being, she has taught me about standing up for myself, showing my emotion, and holding others accountable. I strive to share many of the qualities she encompasses as a human being. She is fiery, passionate, assertive, and has a unique perspective on how to go about handling this thing we call life.

AK always has the time of day for her people. I can’t tell you how many times I went in to her office to check in and say hello, then have the interaction turn into a two hour conversation. About life, softball, family, school. Anything. She took the time to do this with any person that came to her. 

I plan on having AK in my life for a long time. In fact, I will have her with me for the rest of my life. On my left arm, I have a tattoo of two “I love you” symbols in sign language. One symbol represents my family, one represents my friends. I had my closest friends and family each hand draw their own symbol, then I took bits and pieces to combine into my current tattoo!

AK is a part of one of those symbols! She’s with me forever and I will always be thankful for the impact she has had on me. 

This past weekend, we played at the University of Alabama. AK made the trip from LSU, where she now currently works, to come watch us play on Saturday. Being vulnerable with you all, as soon as I was able to see her and give her a hug, I started crying. Seeing someone that important to you after not seeing them for a long time is so refreshing. And luckily, our photographer, Catherine Regan, captured the moment. 

Hold on tight to those who mean that much to you. Hold on to your people. 

Talk to you guys again soon. 

Allie

LINK: MORE IN THE ARENA WITH ALLIE SKAGGS

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