TACOMA, Wash. - Throughout the academic year, GoLutes.com will profile the Pacific Lutheran University senior student-athletes that are embarking on their final collegiate season. Today's installment features PLU women's soccer student-athlete Ashton Huppert.
 

Hometown: Chandler, Arizona

Highlights: Three-time NWC Champion Two-Time NCAA Qualifier 0.13 Career GAA Six Career Shutouts

Huppert has made the most of her experience at PLU. From being a star goalie to the President of PLU's Health and Science Club, Huppert has been very involved in both athletics and academics.
 
Huppert's favorite soccer memory was playing at the University of Redlands in California during last year's non-conference slate. 
 
"It was my first official start for PLU, and it was super fun to be playing under the lights for a night game," Huppert said. "We ended up winning and securing the shutout after a very competitive game, so I was really proud of our team for our performance."
 
A Biology major, Huppert believes her experience on the Lute soccer team has taught her lessons that will transfer into her life after graduation. Being a part of a team has improved her communication skills and helped her find her own leadership style. Her coaches and teammates played a major role in Huppert's growth during college by pushing her out of her comfort zone, and helping her learn how to find her own voice.
 
"I'm grateful to have been a part of such a supportive team over the years where we all help each other improve each day," Huppert said. "The PLU Women's Soccer team really is a unique group of people who truly care about each other and always work hard for one another."
 
Along with leading the Health and Science Club, Huppert is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and a tutor at the PLU Writing Center. She is also currently doing an editorial internship through a partnership between PLU and the John Hopkins University Press. 
 
"Ash has been such an awesome person and goalkeeper for our program!" said Head Coach Seth Spidahl. "An unbelievable IHON student who will be onto medical school soon. She had a breakout junior season for us in goal and we're excited for her senior year to be her best yet!"

On the field, Huppert has appeared in 10 career games for the Lutes, including eight as goalkeeper. Last season she started eight games in goal, owning a team-best 0.13 goals against average. The Chandler, Arizona native boasted a 7-0 record between the posts with six clean sheets and a 0.941 save percentage. Prior to 2019, she saw action as a field player for the Lutes. She was the NWC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 9, 2019 and has helped the Lutes win three NWC titles in her time on campus. Her time at PLU has seen the Lutes enjoy a 46-9-8 overall record and a 39-5-4 mark in NWC action. Her time has additionally included two trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Away from the pitch, Huppert has earned the NWC Scholar Athlete Award the previous three seasons and was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma honors society last spring.
 
After graduation, Huppert plans to go to medical school to become a pediatric neurologist.