Interview with Coach Julie Jenkins

Farrimond's many accolades speaks for itself in terms of how successful of a player she was. In interviewing Head Coach Julie Jenkins, she described the leadership skills and character Farrimond possessed which contributed to her considerable impact on the Trinity Volleyball program. Coach Jenkins made Farrimond a three-year captain due to her strong leadership skills and selflessness. Jenkins says, “Ashley is the only sophomore that has ever been named a captain.” She made this decision because Farrimond was All-American as a first year and she had earned the respect of her teammates. Jenkins emphasized Farrimond's selflessness and natural abilities to lead her team by stating, "she kept everyone together and helped the team truly be a team, as one." She also talked about how Farrimond never made it about herself and how she could not remember a time Farrimond was sulking or had a negative attitude. Some other qualities that made Farrimond a great captain was her good poise. “Whether it was in a game or practice, you never saw her get rattled or lose her confidence, including on days where she was not playing her best,” said Jenkins. Farrimond maintained an upbeat attitude and was a team-oriented individual. Her ability to lead through adversity was vital to the success of the program in the years '01-'04.

Something about Farrimond that stood out substantially to Jenkins was her work ethic. Jenkins first became aware of Farrimond's extraordinary work ethic when she reported in the Fall of 2001 coming from her severe injury. The level of fitness she was in exceeded all expectations. Coach Jenkins states, "it is difficult to work through injuries such as those, and she worked hard to get back to where she was." Even after her original play was back, Farrimond never stopped demonstrating her work ethic and dedication. The consistent intensity, focus, and desire to improve that Farrimond brought to her team every day was contagious, and it created a culture. Jenkins praised the way Farrimond faced hardship head on which helped her become a well-rounded individual and someone for the team to look up to.

Other traits Farrimond possess that contributed to her extraordinary character and the dominant role she had on the team was her era of confidence. Jenkins always emphasizes the importance of being confident in play and life. “My top two priorities as a coach are to help each player meet their full potential and at the same time help their confidence develop and grow to an all new high. There is no doubt that they carry that level of confidence into their careers and life in general,” said Jenkins. She explained that Farrimond demonstrated confidence as soon as she arrived at Trinity. With her injury, her confidence could have easily wavered, but instead, it motivated her to work harder. In Jenkins 34th year as Head Coach at Trinity University, she has seen many players come through, but Farrimond’s resilience is something the can never forget.