Emma Ashley 
Camryn Jeffery | Photos: Westwood
BLYTHEWOOD – Following their exceptionally good senior seasons, Westwood High School standouts Emma Ashley and Camryn Jeffery made official their plans to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level – Ashley at the University of South Carolina, and Jeffery at Louisiana State University.
Emma Ashley
Ashley wrapped her high school cross country career on the highest note – with a 5A-D2 individual state title.
“It means so much,” Ashley said. “This has been many years in the making. I started running cross country in seventh grade, so to have this be the way I close out my senior cross-country season with a win just means the world.”
Ashley crossed the finish line with a time of 18 minutes and 46.55 seconds. She established an early lead on the field and kept her distance to win the crown.
Ashley led Westwood to an 11th overall finish as a team at the 2024 state meet. It wasn’t the first title Ashley has claimed. She was also a member of the track and field team to their first ever state title during the 2023 season. In her 2024 track and field season, Ashley finished second in the 1600 meter run with a season-high 5:07.77, setting a new school record.
In an interview with SC MileSplit, Westwood cross country coach Brice Mann said Ashley’s work ethic set a standard for the entire team.
“Emma has been an absolute joy to coach,” he said. “Her commitment to both personal growth and the success of the team makes her an invaluable runner. I am thankful for all she did for Westwood and excited to see her continue her running journey at South Carolina.”
Ashley told SC Milesplit that she knew South Carolina was the right fit for her.
“The recruiting process was definitely a stressful one,” Ashley said, “but I am so excited. South Carolina was such a goal for me… I had a great time on my visit and I just knew that was the place. I am so excited for the next four years.”
Ashley’s Redhawk career is not over yet – she has already started preparing for the outdoor track and field season.
Camryn Jeffery
Jeffery capped her senior season with a career 1,141 kills and a 5A Region Title under her belt (with a 12-0 record). She is the first player to reach the 1,000 milestone in program history.
A four-year starter and floor captain for the Redhawks, Jeffery, a middle hitter, stands at 6-3. She is a four-time Region Player of the Year and All-State selection.
At LSU, Jeffery is expected to transition to a right side hitter.
Tigers head coach Tonya Johnson said that Jeffery and the 2025 signing class will provide LSU depth, size, and volleyball IQ, calling them dynamic players with potential to elevate the competitiveness immediately.
“Cam is physical and has a very elite arm,” Johnson said. “She will provide a great presence at the net for us on the right side and can play the entire game well.”
In four years for the Redhawks, Jeffery averaged 1.90 blocks per set, amassing 462 total blocks and 95 aces in her high school career.
As a senior, she led the team with 500 kills, 7.00 kills per set, a .371 hitting percentage, 1.50 blocks per set and 107 total blocks.
Jeffery played club volleyball for A5 (2021-2024) and was a JVA All-National Team member in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, she was named the 2024 USAV Jr. National Championship All-Tournament Team (17U).
Jeffery and the Redhawks fell just short of the program’s first state title with a third round loss to Lucy Beckham in the 5A-D2 SCHSL playoffs.
