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JU Women: Jacksonville University is Hiron’s Passport to the Future

Written by Lee Roggenburg on . Posted in .
via press release   JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Can you guess the two truths and a lie for Jacksonville University’s Ashtyn Hiron: a member of the Australian Women’s Lacrosse Senior National team, a media member for President Obama’s Jacksonville address in November, and the defending ASUN Conference Defensive Player of the Year? Sorry, we lied. They’re all truths. A native of Perth, Western Australia, Hiron sojourned to the United States for her college lacrosse career because JU offered her intimate class sizes, a similar, warm climate compared to her home, and a fantastic lacrosse program. “I always wanted to play college lacrosse and there was a connection with a friend of my dad’s in Naples (Fla.),” said Hiron, the first in her family to play collegiately. “I definitely think the small-class environment helps.” The decision to attend JU took her away from her lacrosse cradle. Perth is a small hotbed for lacrosse in the land down under. Her father, John, and mother, Glenda, both played for the country’s national team. “Everyone in my family plays from my grandparents down,” said the youngest of three siblings. “I was born into it and spent all my days as a young girl at lacrosse games with my dad, mother, and brothers.” With aspirations to pursue a career in television, Hiron has balanced her academic workload with airtime and on-field dominance. Every Wednesday, she and five other classmates join forces to broadcast a news show on Dolphin Channel News that airs across campus. It was through this class that she had the opportunity to work Obama’s speech at the University of North Florida Arena. “It was the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” said Hiron, who described the day as exciting and happy. “I had never been that close to a President before. I interviewed people and asked them about their experiences and the election. Obama was a fantastic speaker. “Lacrosse has been my life forever, so it’s good to be excited about something outside of it,” said Hiron. She will continue her communications studies as she prepares for what should be an outstanding junior season. Last year, Hiron had 29 goals and eight assists for 37 points along with a team-high 40 ground balls and 33 caused turnovers. Following the 2018 season, the world will be at her fingertips. She’s already traversed the globe with the Australian national team (check out her five goals against the University of Oregon during the 2016 holiday break), and knows a start in the television industry could lead her anywhere. However, she’s in no hurry to see her time in Jacksonville come to an end. “I’m definitely glad I chose JU,” said Hiron. “I’m very happy that I get to spend four years here.”    

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