Tuesday night against the Peaster Greyhounds wasn’t just another volleyball game for the Boyd Yellowjackets – the date itself held significance. Four years ago – Sept. 5, 2019, Boyd and the volleyball world lost one of its own, Ashley Fouts. A month into her senior season, she died in her sleep from a heart condition at the young age of 17.
But during the past four years, Ashley and her parents, Bill and Elizabeth continue to have a major impact.
Her parents started a foundation and money has been raised for a scholarship in Ashley’s honor.
On Tuesday, over $900 was raised just at the game.
Ashley’s photo hangs on the gym wall. Her #9 jersey was retired in October 2019 and it hangs in the hallway just outside the gym.
People wore blue, including shirts that read “BE KIND LINE NINE.” There were #9 balloons and the Boyd bench left a seat open for her. Players from both teams wore blue ribbons in their hair. During introductions, the Boyd players handed Elizabeth Fouts yellow roses while she stood at mid-court alongside Bill and Ashley’s nephew Elijah.
Yellow was Ashley’s favorite color.
Peaster ended up winning the match 3-2. It was Boyd’s first volleyball game on Sept. 5 since the 2017 season.
But it was much more than a win or loss.
Ashley Fouts was the perfect example of what a person should be. Be kind like nine isn’t just a motto, it isn’t just four simple words. It’s what Ashley lived for every single day.
It’s what everyone should live by. She’s the kind of person I hope my future children are like.
In her one of her final tweets on Twitter, she said “Keep your loved ones in your prayers and tell them you love them. Thank you God for every day you’ve given me.”
Ashley didn’t have many flaws.
Aside of being a standout outside hitter, she was loved by many off the court. Every Sept. 5 or days surrounding it, family and friends will visit the Fouts family. After her passing, people went to the Fouts home and wrote all over the walls of her bedroom – with quotes, memories and thoughts.
In the summer of 2021, Boyd built a new beach volleyball court and named it in her honor.
She also loved the lake and fishing. Her parents have a boat at the Ray Roberts Marina in Sanger. On Monday, Bill and Elizabeth added an “ASHLEY MICHELLE FOUTS” decal to it with friends and family around.
In January, nearly 100 people went to the Mule Barn Sports Bar in Justin to celebrate Ashley’s 21st birthday.
Along with the continuing to honor her memory, we must also keep raising awareness for Long QT Syndrome, which Ashley suffered from. It’s defined as “a heart rhythm condition that can potentially cause fast, chaotic heartbeats. Rapid heartbeats may trigger a sudden fainting spell or seizure. In some cases, the heart can beat erratically for so long that it causes sudden death.”
Continue to watch over us Ashley. We miss you everyday.
