Western New England University

Known for her positive attitude and impeccable work ethic, Ashley O’Keefe Hemler ranks among the best women’s volleyball players in Western New England history.

The South Dennis, MA native was a dominant player at both the outside hitter and middle blocker positions for the Golden Bears.

Ashley was a four-time All-Conference First Team selection making the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) squad three times and the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) team in her final season.

She also was the GNAC Rookie of the Year in 2004. A three-year captain,

Ashley was the recipient of the WNE Coaches Award in 2006, and was the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2004 and again in 2007 after the Golden Bears set a school record for wins with a 22-9 mark. 

She led the team to an 18-13 record as a junior and the program’s first appearance in the ECAC Division III New England Tournament.

Ashley also participated in the New England Women’s Volleyball Association (NEWVA) Division III Senior All-Star Game.

She holds school records for career kills (1,305), kills per game (3.18), blocks (466), and blocks per game (1.13). Western New England compiled a 76-52 record for a 59.4 winning percentage with Ashley in the lineup.

Ashley, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Management, serves as an administrative assistant for RJM Engineering located in Ellicott City, MD.

While at Western New England, she was a Dean’s List student, Captains Council member, and Chi Alpha Sigma Student-Athlete Honor Society honoree.

Ashley resides in Yarmouthport, MA with her husband Brian and their daughter Brooke (1).