“It’s an honor to be representing Team USA” is what was most on the mind of Ashley Rose Humphreys of Lyndeborough while competing at the World University Games at Lake Placid.

Humphreys, a May graduate of Colby-Sawyer College, was recruited by U.S. Ski & Snowboard East to compete in the speed events at the games, including super-G and Alpine combined. Due to weather conditions on the first day of competition, the schedule was pushed back and then altered to break up the dual event of the Alpine combined, which is usually is held on the same day.

Super-G, an event that college students do not usually compete in or train much, was held on Saturday. Humphreys placed 28th with a time of 56.43 seconds and fought the terrain changes as she sped down the icy course.

The race had visibility concerns, with fog at the top and poor late-afternoon light. Whiteface Mountain offered a challenging course surface, with steep sections, wide turns and the famed Draper’s Drop toward the finish line, where a large crowd cheered on the athletes.

Their runs were shown on a large jumbotron, complete with on-site commentators, and were also broadcast live on ESPN.

“It was surreal to see your run on the jumbotron,” said Humphreys.

Humphreys accidently tripped the wand at the start of her run, which started the clock ticking before she left the gate and caused her to lose precious time. After crossing the finish line, she caught an edge on the soft snow and fell, producing a cloud of snow in the finish corral.

“I thought going down my run was pretty good. After the fact, my coach pointed out I tripped the wand. Hopefully tomorrow I will be higher up in the ranks. I’ll think of today as a practice run and will go at it again tomorrow in the Alpine combined,” said Humphreys.

The Alpine combined is unique because it transitions from a speed event to a technical event.

On Monday, Humphreys was scheduled to get in the start gate for the slalom portion of the Alpine combined in 25th place after a time of 54:25 in the super-G. The slalom time will be combined with the super-G for final placement.

“I feel to be here at these college international games and representing Team USA is amazing. It definitely is a surreal experience, something I didn’t expect in my career. I look at it as the icing on the cake of my final year of racing. It’s a great experience and I’m proud to be here,” said Humphreys

Humphreys has been taking in all the World University Games has to offer, from walking on to the “Miracle on Ice” rink to a crowd cheering for Team USA during the Opening Ceremony, staying in the Olympic Village at the U.S. Olympic/Paralympic Training Center with other Team USA athletes and being a spectator and cheering at other competitions such as curling and figure skating.

“The OTC is a state-of-the art facility. They defiantly understand how to accommodate hard-working athletes. We have 24/7 access to nutritious food, trained staff and have access to PT and other services. The gym is amazing. We have lots of healthy snacks here, which I love,” said Humphreys about staying at Olympic Village.

The World University Games has been a good experience for Humphreys.

““Attending opening ceremonies at the ‘Miracle on Ice’ rink was an honor. I’m meeting new people from different nations that I would otherwise not have the chance to meet or compete against. It’s very exciting to be here,” she said.

Humphreys was surprised by her brother, RJ Humphreys, and appreciated her support on the snow and with her ski equipment. Ashley and RJ have been teammates all their skiing careers, including at Colby-Sawyer College. RJ is currently a ski coach and strength and conditioning coach at Stratton Mountain School in Vermont and was able to give her coaching pointers.

“It was a pleasure to watch Ashley compete against the best college-aged racers in the world this past weekend. I am very proud of her and her efforts and hopes she enjoys all the opportunities at the FISU Games,” said RJ.

Ashley had to race on her brother’s men’s super-G skis because her skis did not meet regulations for the competition.

Humphreys will compete in a few events this winter, including the Alpine Speed Championships, as an independent ski racer. Preparation for the World University Games was very limited due to minimal training and below-average snow conditions.

Humphreys is hanging up her racing skis after this season.

“I’m focusing on other passions outside of ski racing. Obviously, skiing has been a big part of my life and I’m happy have had this experience, but I have to put it aside to focus on my post-racing goals, which is going on to veterinarian school. It’s adulting time,” said Humphreys with a chuckle.

Being back at Whiteface meant returning to the site where Humphreys tore her ACL in February 2019, while a sophomore at Colby-Sawyer College. The injury sidelined her skiing career. COVID-19 delayed her surgery and rehabilitation, which caused her to miss the chance to get back on snow the following season.

After rehab, Humphreys was back in time for her senior year of college racing.

Humphreys graduated cum laude from Colby-Sawyer in May, majoring in biology with minors in pre-veterinary, chemistry and fine arts/photography. She deferred veterinary school this year with plans to attend in the fall of 2023. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in public health full-time at Southern New Hampshire University while working full-time at the Weare Animal Hospital, where she is gaining experience toward becoming a veterinarian.

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