By Jose Sanchez, Santa Fe South High School
Claire Ash’s childhood was a little different. She has seen the United States from coast to coast, and all before turning 15. Spending only a year in each location due to her father’s job, she had a difficult time making lifelong friends, which took a mental toll. Because she had to start over every year, she felt mounting pressure.
In spite of this, Claire knew her time was limited in every new location and wanted to make the best of it.
“She always jumped in, ready to start again,” said Claire’s mother.
However, one thing that remained consistent with every new home was Claire’s commitment to running and tree climbing.
Her mother said she loved to climb trees to get a different perspective of her surroundings.
“Everywhere we went she climbed trees like crazy.”
Then, she kicked it up a notch with mountain climbing and hiking. She was determined to climb Mount Scott at a young age.
Once settling down in Oklahoma for high school, Claire began competitive rock climbing. She used to view rock climbing as a hobby. But now Claire practices at threshold, a rock-climbing facility in downtown Oklahoma City, where she spends hours in the gym improving her form.
“I train for six hours and I climb every day” Claire said.
Her father still moves around the country but her mother chose to stay in the Sooner State so she could finish high school. Staying means that Claire can devote her time not only to bettering her hands for rock climbing but also her high jump.
Last year, Claire’s team placed in state and regional, and when asked if they got first she said no but “it was all right because we did our best and that’s all that matters.” Although they got first in all their competitions throughout the year, she was still proud of how her team ended out the year.
Now, she plans to finish at the top of her class at Edmond Santa Fe High School and hopes to get scholarships for track and rock-climbing by prioritizing herself. Her dream school is Pepperdine University, where she wants to study architectural design. Excited for her new steps, Claire is determined to not let anything get in her way and although she has her eyes on Pepperdine, Claire said she still enjoys OU.
