I don't remember the first time I met Ashlyn, one of my nieces-by-choice, but in the last ten years I have cheered for her during high school swim meets, watched her run track and raced through the woods to catch her running in cross country meets.

Everyone likes to have a fan. Even a masters athlete like myself loves to see familiar faces in the crowd or takes a few faster steps when my name is called. In fact, during my last Ironman, Ashlyn ran me into the finish line, momentarily making me forget my pain, not to mention quicken my pace - the girl is fast!
 
There are many ways to support your favorite athletes, Auntie, no matter what your skill or ability. You can invest money by supporting car washes or hoagie sales (I'm from Pennsylvania, that is what we call subs or grinders). You can wear school colors to the big game or simply make a phone call to wish them luck or congratulations for their effort afterward. Showing your support in any way is like being the 12th man in football; you've got their back!
 
For me, I like to just do it. Whatever my niece or nephew or the kids in my life are doing, I want to try my best to give it a go, too. Ashlyn and I have run together, swam in lakes and ponds and even raced a triathlon as part of a relay team. To share interests is wonderful, but to support their dreams is what makes the job of Auntie so amazing.
 
Ashlyn fell in love with pole vaulting toward the end of her high school career; her upper body strength and running speed made her the perfect prototype for the sport and her enthusiasm was contagious (even I wanted to try my hand at pole vaulting!). I loved that such an accomplished athlete wanted to try something new. She trained with her high school coach, went to a pole vaulting camp during the summer and focused on, well, raising the bar.

As an athlete who was somewhat new to the sport of pole vaulting, it took a college coach with the right temperament and foresight to see Ashlyn's potential, but her work paid off. I cheered at my computer when I saw her picture and name listed on the track and field page of her university, and my role as a supportive Auntie got to go to college, too! I have whistled, cheered and held my breath when I've had the opportunity to watch her compete.
 
Investments Pay Dividends
 
Ashlyn's investment in herself and her dreams reached a new height last week as she received the news that she was being given a full scholarship for her senior year. Track and field scholarships are not as common as football or baseball or soccer scholarships, but, there isn't anything common about Ashlyn. She dreamt big...supported by family and friends, and Aunties, too!

Amy Shigo is a sports journalist.

Photo: Courtesy Ken Shelton Photography
Published: August 24, 2010