University of Richmond Athletics
Riefner Wrapping Up First Professional Season
09/14/2016 | Women's Soccer
RichmondSpiders.com caught up with 2016 graduate and former Spider women's soccer player Ashley Riefner, who is wrapping up her first season playing professionally in Finland for PK-35 Vaanta.
How has your first season playing professionally gone so far?
AR: “Overall, I have been really pleased with my performance. I have had to play several positions so far, which is great. I love being a versatile player because I have more opportunities to impact the game. I continue to learn and understand the game more and more. As far as the team performance goes I couldn't be any happier. Everyone holds themselves to a high standard and has a passion for the game. Its a great atmosphere to be in. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the round of 32 for the UEFA Champion League but we are close to winning the Finnish League and are in the finals of the Finnish Cup in October.”
How have you developed as a player and a person over the past few months?
AR: “This experience has been really eye opening and rewarding. I would not consider myself the most outgoing person around unfamiliar people. Solely from that perspective, it was extremely challenging to push myself outside of my comfort zone and open up to people. I attended college in the same city where I was raised, and never felt uncomfortable or awkward in any situation. But when you're in a place where you don't understand the language, everything feels a bit uncomfortable and awkward at first. My time in Finland has showed me to appreciate other people and cultures. I'd like to believe that I will be returning home a more well-rounded, independent and appreciative person. I am beyond thankful and grateful for this experience.
“In regard to soccer, I think I have evolved into a smarter player. I now see myself as a player who values keeping better care of the ball on the field and knowing when and how to use my soccer skills to my advantage. I think the mental side of my game has also improved. Coming here was not the easiest transition, so I had to make a conscious decision everyday to stay positive on the field even when I was struggling to understand a drill or other aspects of practice.”
What have you learned from living abroad?
AR: “During my time in Finland, I have learned many valuable skills and made some memories along the way. At first, I struggled with finding things to do during the day. We have practice every day, but that only takes up about 2-3 hours. I was so used to the student-athlete lifestyle, that when I came here I had no idea how to handle excessive amounts of free time. On the other hand, I would say this was a valuable lesson because it allowed me to be independent and learn how to be alone sometimes. Additionally, I have learned that different cultures tend to have different types of personalities. By this, I mean that not everyone is loud and outgoing like Americans – which, by the way, is how the rest of the world sees us. Ironically, I'd like to consider myself as part Fin because I can be shy and reserved until you get to know me. This experience has been different than college because I have no one instructing me to do anything besides my coaches at practice. College can feel so structured sometimes, but here I feel like I have more freedom with my time and lifestyle.”
How did your experience at UR help you acclimate to living in a foreign country?
AR: “My time at Richmond was crucial in helping me acclimate to living in Finland. In college I learned how to be confident and, most importantly, how to make lasting relationships and be a good person. Building relationships with people is so important in life. Without the difficult classes, friends and coaches at Richmond, I would not have learned to do so. Being a Spider was so amazing. Richmond helped shape me into the person I am and continues to push me to being the person I strive to be. College helped me realize that there will be hard times, but you'll make it through by being tough and having a great attitude. I have always tried to keep a good mindset no matter the circumstance.”
What's next for you?
AR: “I hope to come back to PK-35 next season (crossing my fingers!). I have loved my time so far, so I want to continue playing in Finland for another season and keep developing into a better player. When I get back home in late October, I plan to work really hard in training and getting better every day. It's going to be so amazing to see and spend time with my family and friends.”
