By: Sarah Cronk

After NCA All-Star Nationals last weekend, Varsity.TV was dying to catch up with Ashley Wilson. Put simply, Ashley is the ultimate all star cheerleader. She has competed with not one but two high-profile gyms (she’s a Cheer Athletics Cheetahs alum) and currently competes with Woodlands Elite Black Ops, winners of the Level 5 Senior Medium Coed division at the 2016 NCA All-Star National Championship. And that’s not all. Ashley also represents Varsity All Star Fashion as a 2016 Fashionista (check her out in the brand new 2016 Design Book). 

Here’s what Ashley had to say about Black Ops, the big win, and what’s next for Woodlands Elite: 

​Name: Ashley Wilson
Age: 17
Team: Woodlands Elite Black Ops
2016 Highlights: Black Ops winning NCA! 

Varsity.TV: You just finished competing at one of the nation’s most prestigious championships. How do you feel? 
Ashley: I just won my very first NCA title and I've been cheering since I was 4 years old, so this was a huge accomplishment for me! It was the greatest feeling in the world. Black Ops worked so hard for this and it was definitely worth it! I'm still very excited.



Varsity.TV: What’s your favorite part of cheering for Woodlands Elite Black Ops? 
Ashley: On Black Ops I feel like I'm a part of a huge family who I can go to for anything and everything at any time. I'm new to Woodlands Elite this year, but they took me in right away and made me feel like part of the family. My teammates and coaches make our practices fun and go by really fast. They can always put a smile on my face when I'm having a bad day or whenever I need a laugh. They're always there for me which is a huge part of why I love them.

Varsity.TV: It’s no secret that NCA Nationals can be a little overwhelming. How do you stay focused? 
Ashley: NCA is by far the biggest competition, which makes everyone nervous because we know that there are thousands of spectators watching us! But our coaches keep us under control and make sure we are on the right track. We just have to remember why we are there and stay focused on our goals. 

Varsity.TV: What’s next for you and Woodlands Elite Black Ops? 
Ashley: After this big win, Black Ops will be working hard to achieve our next goal, which of course is winning the cheerleading Worlds title in Orlando! Worlds is where the toughest competition is and where all the work you put in throughout the entire season really counts! We will be in the gym trying to perfect our routine as much as possible! 



Varsity.TV: What advice do you have for other cheerleaders who want to achieve your level of success? 
Ashley: I personally know how it feels to work so hard for something and it not work in your favor. I advise every cheerleader to never give up, because all your hard work will definitely show in the end. It took me 13 years to finally win NCA, but I never gave up! Just believe in yourself and in your team!


Stay tuned for more Woodlands Elite on Varsity.TV!