They’re a package deal. Ashlyn and Skylyn Yaskiewicz developed into a talented volleyball duo that provided a 2-for-1 for college coaches. Reinhardt University made the offer. The twins have officially signed that LOI to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.
“I could not imagine going on my college journey without my sister,” says Skylyn. “We have been together our whole lives, obviously, but she’s not just my sister — she’s my best friend. I did have a school reach out to me and not Ashlyn due to her position already being filled. Even though this could have been a good opportunity, I kindly declined.”
“It is incredible to be able to continue playing the sport that I love,” adds Ashlyn. “When I started playing volleyball freshman year, I never imagined I would play collegiate volleyball. I wanted to sharpen my craft with every practice, and my dedication and hard work finally paid off. It is truly a blessing to have this opportunity.”
The Tallulah Falls sisters felt comfortable with Reinhardt, leading to the decision to put pen to paper.
“When we started talking to the coaches and had our first phone call, we immediately felt comfortable with them,” says Skylyn. “When we visited, we were welcomed by the sweetest girls who play on the team. They took us around campus, which was beautiful. We met a couple more of the girls, and then they took us to their FCA meeting, which was really nice. At the end, we practiced with some of the team and spoke with the coaches. This was a wonderful experience and everyone made us felt like we were already on the team. Not only were the girls amazing, but they also share the same morals and beliefs as us. We instantly knew that this would be a great place for us to call home.”
Though it came together nicely, the recruiting process has its ups and downs.
“The recruiting process is relatively simple regarding contacting coaches, but it can also get pretty stressful at times,” admits Ashlyn. “As I went through the process of finding colleges to play for, I would start talking to a coach, and they seemed interested until they told me they were moving in a different direction for my position. I had my two top schools reject me from playing volleyball for them, and I almost lost sight of playing in college, but I kept hope and eventually found Reinhardt University. Now that I know where I am going, I am relieved.”
For Skylyn, it wasn’t that long ago that she even considered playing college volleyball a possibility.
“When I first started playing volleyball, my goal was to make the varsity team someday,” states Skylyn. “I grew to love the sport so much. I began to think about playing in college my sophomore year, but I got really serious about it my junior year. I got NCSA and started searching. Ever since then, I have been working on improving in every area and getting stronger. My hard work and dedication has paid off and I am so blessed and thankful for this opportunity.”
While both of the girls are excited for what’s to come, they will never forget their time at TFS.
“I will miss having my friends and teachers around me,” adds Ashlyn. “I have developed so many close bonds with my peers at TFS, and I will never forget our fun times together. The friendships I have made at TFS will last a lifetime. I will also miss Coach [Matt] Heyl because he never gave up on me when I began my volleyball career. Without him, none of this would have been possible.”
Ashlyn was a 2nd Team All-Region honoree, totaling 115 kills, 103 digs, 30 aces, 5 blocks, and 5 assists. Skylyn was an All-Region Honorable Mention who recorded 58 digs, 40 aces, 35 kills, 20 assists, and 11.5 blocks.
The Yaskiewicz twin signings moves the number to now seven TFS student-athletes to sign an LOI this academic year. Now, eight volleyball players in TFS history will have gone on to play college ball. Ashlyn and Skylyn will be honored with all other senior signees in May 2024 at the second annual Next Level Signing Ceremony.
