Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our sports newsletter here.

Ashlee Gnau recently sent Bryan Lindstrom, her coach at Legacy Volleyball Club, a picture of her getting drilled in the head by a volleyball.

The freshman has welcomed the challenge of learning how to become a right-back defensive specialist, switching from the left side. Yet, it hasn’t come without challenges — like getting nailed.

“It’s just a lot different being behind the center. It’s something to get used to positioning-wise,” Gnau said. “They’re still training me (to know) where to go and what balls to get. But I think I’m getting there.”

Within the first few weeks of her collegiate career, Gnau is already making waves at Syracuse by establishing herself as a versatile player. She’s recorded six service aces and boasts a season reception percentage of 0.917, highlighting her consistent and precise passing ability. Gnau has also recorded 74 digs, including a season-high 13 in SU’s most recent game against Wake Forest.

“Ashlee is just really more of a student of the game, and just kind of sees what’s going on and can anticipate really well,” Lindstrom said. “So just having her last year was phenomenal because she was just a really steady, calm presence for us.”

Gnau found early career success playing for Northville High School in Michigan, where she competed in four state championships, coming in second in 2022. Additionally, she played under Lindstrom at Legacy for five seasons, competing for the club’s highest level toward the end of her tenure.

“She’s put in such hard work and dedication that now that reward is coming to fruition of being able to live out her dream, compete at Syracuse and be somebody that (coaches are) looking to for significant playing time,” Kacy Byron, Gnau’s club coach her sophomore and junior years of high school, said.

Once Gnau arrived at SU, she experienced a major difference in the game’s speed and intensity. That’s been further amplified for Gnau as she continues to master a new position.

Before playing for the Orange, Gnau was primarily a libero on her high school team and a defensive specialist for her club team. She remains a defensive specialist in college, though she’s moved from left to right back.

Ilana Zahavy | Design Editor

Lindstrom described the switch as challenging because, when playing on the right, balls approach Gnau quicker as opposed to when she played on the left. Gnau’s very familiar with the left side, as she’s played there for the majority of her volleyball career prior to SU.

“Some kids pick it up, and (for) some kids it takes a bit,” Lindstrom said. “So it’s been awesome to watch her get in there and be able to contribute.”

In September, Syracuse head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam spoke highly of Gnau’s performance in the new position.

“She’s been working really consistently and improving pretty much every week,” Ganesharatnam said. “We felt like Ashlee can really produce on the right side in the back row for us.”

Prior to Gnau’s standout performance against Wake Forest, she produced another stellar outing on Sept. 21 against Iowa State. Gnau recorded a then-season-high 10 digs, playing all five sets in the Orange’s win over the Cyclones.

“It was our first Power Four matchup (of the season) and my first Power Four matchup in my career and it was just so exciting,” Gnau said. “We went in, we played so hard all together, and we won.”

Adapting to a new position is challenging for any player, but Gnau is also one of the few true freshmen on a team consisting of mostly graduate and transfer students. Gnau said she carries herself with a strong sense of confidence, which has allowed her to learn a new position on the fly and become a vital part of Syracuse’s rotation.

“Playing time is great, but I’m never going to get comfortable,” Gnau said. “I’m still going to work hard.”

Published on November 5, 2024 at 10:02 pm

Contact Vivian: vpcollins06@gmail.com