Ashley Palmer (Hespell) 

Women's Soccer • Women's Track & Field

Year: 2020

Inducted: 2020

2001-2004

Graduating Class of 2004

A two-sport athlete from 2001-2004, Ashely Palmer (Hespell) was a member of the women’s soccer and track and field teams. On the pitch, Palmer was named to the MCC All-Conference team, National Soccer Coaches Association All-Region team on three occasions, and NAIA All-American team in 2003 and 2004. Palmer scored 91 career goals and tallied 43 assists for a total of 225 points in her career. Palmer capped off her soccer career by being named the NCCAA Michele Akers Player of the Year in 2004. Palmer’s Wildcat soccer teams made trips to the NAIA National Tournament in 2001 and 2003. In track and field, Palmer was known for her success as a sprinter, hurdler, and long jumper. Palmer won her first national championship at the 2002 NCCAA Indoor Championships, winning the 55-meter hurdles. In 2003, Palmer set school records in the long jump with a distance of 18-feet, 1-inch (outdoor) and 18-feet, 1 ¾-inches (indoor), records that stood for 10-years. Palmer capped off 2003 by earning NAIA All-American status in the long jump. Palmer finished her running career by being named the 2003 NCCAA Outstanding Performer in Indoor Track. Upon graduation she held records in the 55-meter hurdles (8.57), the indoor pentathlon (2,818 points), and the 800-meter relay (1.49.01). Palmer ended her career with eight NAIA National Championship appearances and 615 total meet points, a Wildcat record that still stands.