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Asby McCracken stands ready during the State Championship volleyball game in November 2024. Photo by: Audreana Underbrink
For senior Ashby McCracken, high school has been a journey filled with dedication, resilience, and a drive to excel—both in the classroom and on the court. Since arriving at Flour Bluff in eighth grade, McCracken has immersed herself in a variety of activities, making a lasting impact on the school community through her leadership, athletic achievements, and academic success.
One of McCracken’s proudest moments came in her senior year when the Flour Bluff Volleyball Team won the State Championship. As a key player, she played an integral role in the team’s success, marking a historic victory for the program.
“Winning State in Volleyball my senior year was pretty darn memorable,” McCracken said. “It was surreal.”
Beyond volleyball, McCracken has been involved in track, student council, VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event), and the National Honor Society. She has also stepped into a leadership role as a thrower in track, helping guide teammates and assisting in workouts.
“My coach asks me to do a lot of stuff and carry out some of the workouts,” McCracken said when asked about her leadership role in track.
McCracken and team pose with the State Championship trophy after winning in November 2024. Photo by: Audreana Underbrink
Her time in sports has not only brought her great accomplishments but has also shaped her character and mindset.
“I think they’ve shown me not to give up on anything,” McCracken said. “Nothing’s too hard. Just work hard at what you do.”
Ashby is welcomed home with open arms by friends and family alike during the Volleyball welcome home parade after the State Championship volleyball game in November 2024. Photo by: Audreana Underbrink
Her academic success has been just as impressive as her athletic career. She has earned First Team Academic All-State honors for volleyball and has been recognized as an Academic All-District athlete in track. As a dedicated student, McCracken has a particular passion for science and math, with AP Biology being her favorite subject.
“I’m taking AP Bio 2 right now because I’m majoring in cell and molecular biology,” McCracken said. “I just like science.”
Her academic drive and leadership have earned her a Presidential Scholarship to Austin College, covering about half of her tuition. She will continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level while majoring in cell and molecular biology, working toward a future in medical research.
The college itself felt like a new community, a new home, and it felt very comfortable,” McCracken said. “I want to pursue a medical path because I want to research cures for different diseases.”
Her aspirations extend far beyond undergraduate studies. She hopes to obtain a master’s degree and PhD, and eventually attend medical or pharmacy school.
“I want to get my master’s and a PhD, and attend medical or pharmacy school,” McCracken said.
While she has thrived academically and athletically, McCracken has also found joy in unexpected places. A lesser-known talent of hers is singing—something that might surprise even those who know her well.
“I can actually sing,” McCracken admitted. “I’ve been asked to compete in UIL choir, but I had to decline because of how busy I am.”
Her journey through high school has been a balance of excitement and uncertainty, but she has learned to embrace every challenge along the way.
“I would say that it can be scary at times because you don’t know what’s next,” McCracken said. “But it can also be exciting and fun just going through different things.”
Looking back, she feels fortunate to have had teachers who supported her, especially when juggling academics with her demanding sports schedule.
“I’ve been very blessed with how understanding they’ve been, especially being in sports,” McCracken said. “They know I can’t always be there, and they’ve always been kind about assignments.”
As she prepares to graduate, McCracken hopes to leave behind a legacy of perseverance, teamwork, and ambition. She wants future students to push through challenges and never let obstacles define them.
“No matter what you’re going through, just keep pushing through it and don’t give up,” McCracken said.
With her accomplishments in athletics, academics, and leadership, Ashby McCracken has left an undeniable mark on Flour Bluff High School. As she steps into the next phase of her journey at Austin College, she carries with her the lessons she has learned, the friendships she has made, and the legacy of a champion.
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