Wrestler returns to OCU after 10 years off the mat

OCU Wrestler Ashlee Vaughan has returned to the sport after 10 years and has won her first match back on the mat.  

So, how did Vaughan feel to return to her old team with a new roster?  

“I’m not going to lie, when I returned to OCU with a new wrestling roster, at first, I felt very awkward. I felt out of place because of my age. The girls quickly made all my doubts vanish, they were all so welcoming and eager to hear how I was able to return to wrestling. Wrestling is a sport where you all suffer together, and you need to have a certain mentality to do this sport. This is why I feel you create strong bonds with teammates and other wrestlers. I feel like a team mom, I care and hope for the best for every single one of them. I am lucky and get the best of both worlds, my old teammates are also so supportive and have been cheering me on through this as well. Many have come and watched my matches, and I am so grateful to have these bonds as well.” 

What challenges did Vaughan have returning to competitive wrestling? 

“I came in at the beginning of the season at 185 lbs., I had lots of baby weight I never lost after having my kids. I had already lost 15 lbs., running during the summer but being in wrestling shape is completely different. Besides helping with coaching high school wrestling, I did not train during my time off the mat. I knew I had to work harder this time around to get in shape than I had previously. I had to relearn a lot of techniques since I had not used them in so long. It has taken me the entire season to feel like I am almost back to where I used to be. I don’t think I am quite there yet, but I’ll continue to grind until I am.” 

What does Vaughan credit to her success? 

“I am also incredibly grateful to have such an amazing coach. Nicole Tyson has encouraged and supported me the entire way. I do not think I would have come back for any other coach. She has not only been supportive in my wrestling but is also always there for me with school and my family. With Covid and the elementary schools closing off and, on all season, and working as a nurse through the pandemic, it has truly been a challenge. Not many college coaches will let you bring four kids to practice with you, but she does so with open arms and cuddles! As an athlete and mom, it is such a blessing and priceless to have a coach that loves your children and man do they love her!”  

How did Vaughan feel after winning the Black and Blue Ranking Dual in November? 

“I feel those who have wrestled or have done competitive sports never lose their competitiveness. The same rush of adrenaline I used to get wrestling previously quickly made me become obsessed with wrestling again. Winning my first match back was a lot more meaningful this time around. It took a lot more sacrifice mentally and physically not only for me but my family as well so that I could come back to wrestling. I am a mom for four kids, I am a nurse, and I am in graduate school, so finding the extra time to wrestle and get in shape was not an easy task. Spending more time wrestling and exercising meant my husband had to step up more at home. Without his support, I would not have been able to return to the mat. Also, to have my kids watch me wrestle has been a huge blessing. My kids also drive me to do my best and not give up. I hope this inspires them to work hard and always follow their dreams no matter what.”