The round house | 09/21/2022 15:51:00
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MaryAshton Floyd played Wichita State volleyball for four seasons and contributed to some of the most successful teams of that era from 2012-2015.
She often did her thing on the pitch. Off the pitch, she played an equally important role as a helpful teammate and role model. That instinct lingers in her post-college life, both as a counselor and youth coach. After the State of Wichita, she earned a master’s degree in counseling from Liberty University and is a licensed professional counselor.
“I enjoy working with people and helping, coaching and encouraging them through different struggles in life,” she said.
She took a break from volleyball after playing as a shocker. She returned to the sport as a club and high school coach. She now teaches privately in Oklahoma City.
“I just enjoy working with the girls and helping them love the sport,” she said. “I’ve missed it and am enjoying being around (the sport) again.”
Floyd plays sand volleyball and met Beau Fraley, her fiancé, at an indoor tournament in Oklahoma City. Katie (Reilly) Zimmerman, current Wichita State assistant coach, will serve as maid of honor. Zimmerman and Floyd played all four seasons together at Wichita State.
“It’s crazy for them to work with (coach Chris Lamb),” Floyd said. “She loves the sport and loves coaching and is good at it. It was fun to hear how this transition goes back to a place we loved so much as athletes. It’s a cool thing to see them do it.”
In the state of Wichita: Floyd, who played underdogs, was recognized by the All-Missouri Valley Conference in 2014 after hitting a .218 with 269 kills. As a freshman, she played in 13 games for a team that defeated Kansas and Arkansas to advance to the NCAA Sweet 16. She played on the Shocker teams that won MVC titles and advanced to NCAA play in 2013 and 2015.
Tell us about your current location and life status:
I now live in Oklahoma City and work as a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing various types of mental health counseling. I specialize in eating disorders, exercise anxiety, and general anxiety and depression.
Also, I’m going to marry Beau Fraley in the fall.
What was your major at Wichita State?
Psychology with a minor in Sociology
Why did you choose the state of Wichita?
I chose the state of Wichita because I loved the track and field culture and knew when I first came onto campus that it felt like home. I loved the people and the opportunity to compete at this level.
Aside from the sport you played as a shocker, what was your favorite sport?
I also love WSU basketball.
Which teammate helped you adjust to college life?
Katie (Reilly) Zimmerman – she is still my best friend and will be my maid of honor at my wedding in October.
What are your fondest memories from college athletics?
I loved training and playing with my best friends every day. So many great games and wins and losses but I loved dressing up and playing with my team every weekend. There is no better place than the Koch Arena!
What advice would you give to someone starting their track and field career in college?
Take care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically and try to stay on top of things. It’s a big deal to play college athletics, but it’s still a game and only four to five years of your long and beautiful life.
What book would you recommend to current students?
“Limits” by Cloud & Townsend
Paul Suellentrop reports on Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for strategic university communications. “Catching up” is a regular feature highlighting former Shockers. Story suggestion? Contact him at [email protected]
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