Catching up with former Southeastern HS athlete Ashton (Hice) Cox
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In 2005, Ashton Hice graduated from Southeastern High School as one of the top three-sport athletes of her time. In the fall (cross country), winter (basketball), and spring (track), Hice experienced a lot of individual and team success while representing the Lady Panthers.
As a two-time All-League cross country runner, Hice helped SE to a league title and three Regional appearances during her career. In basketball, Hice was an All-SVC, All-Southeast District, and All-Ohio performer during her playing days. She was a member of two Sectional championship teams, and during her senior year, she helped her Lady Panthers to a District title and a trip to the Sweet 16. In the spring, Hice was a three-time Regional qualifier, and her individual District title in the 300M Hurdles in 2005 helped her Southeastern team to a District championship.
鈥淭he little moments such as summer open gyms and weekend shootouts, bus rides after a win, team dinners and film sessions,鈥� said Hice when asked to reminisce about what she remembered most about her playing days. 鈥淚 remember having fun with coaches and teammates. The most memorable win would be the District championship in basketball, and how loud and packed the gym was.鈥�
After high school, Hice attended Ohio University where she graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors of Business Administration (Accounting). By 2014, she had earned a Masters of Business Administration. Today, she works as the System Director of Operations (Primary Care) at OhioHealth. She oversees and leads current strategic and growth operations for primary care practice across southern and central Ohio.
Ashton and her husband Jeran (good athlete in his own right at Zane Trace, where he graduated in 2001) still live in the area and follow high school sports. They have two children, a son Braxton and a daughter Payton.
It is obvious that Ashton believes in the importance of sports for our young people in today鈥檚 society.
鈥淪ports are important, because of the life lessons they teach,鈥� said Hice, who is a member of the SE and SVC all-time 1,000 point scorers in basketball. 鈥淰ery few people will rely on sports for future success, but everyone will use and benefit from the lessons high school sports will teach you. Learning how to work hard and how hard work can overcome talent. Being a supportive teammate, an encourager. Understanding how to communicate and react when emotions are high. Time management skills and experience of how to support others who may be more, or less, successful than you. Understand how to take direction from a coach. Working through adversity when things don鈥檛 go as expected or planned. All of these things will help prepare any kid for handling real-life situations in their personal and professional endeavors.鈥�
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.