STATESBORO - As the 2022-23 Georgia Southern rifle season begins to wind down, four seniors will be honored on Saturday after the UAB match for their careers in Statesboro. This week, GSEagles.com sat down with each of the four seniors and got to know them a little better. Up next is Ashley Judson.

Ashley Judson
Acworth, Ga.
Allatoona HS

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern for several reasons, but the biggest reason was because of how many opportunities I saw the university offer. Coming out of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and Georgia Southern's wide variety of majors and excellence of professors within them had me hooked. Georgia Southern also has the best collegiate rifle range I have ever seen, and I am blessed to be able to practice there every day.

What's your major and why did you choose it?
My major is philosophy with a concentration in law with a minor in English. I chose this degree because I discovered my desire to go to law school and practice law as an attorney. The philosophy program offers so many resources to help me along the way to studying for the LSAT, and I cannot imagine a life where I chose something different.

When will you graduate and what are your plans post-graduation?
I graduate this upcoming May. Post-graduation, I plan to study for the LSAT and attend law school.

What's one thing you are thankful for that Georgia Southern rifle helped give you?
Confidence and maturity. I think I have always been open and eager to learn, but Georgia Southern offered me a sense of guidance for how to use those skills. My mindset has shifted from one that used to be incredibly self-deprecating to now one of humble confidence. 

What's been the coolest non-rifle thing you've done that coming to GS gave you the opportunity to do?
This past summer, I was sent to study abroad in Paris for almost two months. It was the most incredible experience I have ever had. I was able to study philosophy and literature at the same places famous American and Parisian writers used to write! That trip was so inspiring and motivating that when I got back to the United States and Georgia Southern, I had such a different outlook on my personal life. 

For a recruit looking to come and shoot here, what would be your sales pitch to get them here?
Georgia Southern offers resources like no other school has. Inside of rifle, we have received some of the best coaching in the nation and the team is in a unique position where we get to catch everyone else off-guard next year. Outside of rifle, the athletics department truly takes care of us. Academics, athletics, injuries, and mental health are just a few of what they prioritize here. Though Statesboro might be a small town, you will be shocked when you see how big they make you feel. 

When you come back and watch a match in five years, what will you hope Coach Butler says about you to those team members:
I would like to be known as a teammate who was strong in what she believed in and through those beliefs, she worked her butt off to get where she wanted to go, and help jumpstart the team along the way.

What's your proudest accomplishment as a GS shooter in your time here?
I am very proud to have been Air Rifle Athlete of the Year in the Southern Conference for the past three years.

What's one memory from your time with GS rifle you will always carry with you?
In my sophomore year, I was in the smallbore finals for the SoCon Championships - they take the top eight scoring individuals and put them in a shoot-off, to put it simply. I was nearly in last place by the time we got to elimination. In our last position, every shot, I clawed my way back up, until there were only two individuals left. I received the silver medal that year, and one of my favorite memories was gathering back with my team nearly in tears because of how much mental exhaustion I had undergone. My teammates held me up, and that is probably one of my favorite medals I have ever received. 

Looking back, what's one thing you would tell your freshman self?
You can achieve so much more than what your mind tells you. Do not belittle and undermine yourself. Your comments to yourself are the only things holding you back - and that is fully in your control.

Favorite place to relax or study on campus?
Lake Ruby is very nice to sit by and relax, especially after a hard practice or just a long day. I often go to Starbucks in Russell Union to get my homework done too!

Favorite place to eat on campus?
100% Chick-fil-A. Fast, efficient, and I can order on my phone and pick up when I'm in a rush.

Favorite GS tradition?
After we work out, we always end workouts by putting our hands together with someone chanting for the team: "Eagles on three, Eagles on three! One, two, three, EAGLES!!!" It's short and simple, but getting to shout after your hard work is incredibly rewarding.

Favorite Coach Butler phrase or saying?
"LET'S GOOOOO!" 

Georgia Southern takes on UAB on Saturday at the Shooting Sports Education Center in SoCon action. Call to the line is set for 8 a.m. with Senior Day following around 12:30 p.m.