Ashtyn's Dream

Meet Ashtyn

Meet Ashtyn! This determined and spirited 12-year-old has faced more challenges than most, but she never lets anything hold her back. Born with spina bifida, Ashtyn has undergone 16 surgeries in just 12 years, leading to difficulties with balance and running. While many sports aren’t an option for her, she has never stopped chasing her love for competition!

Ashtyn tried joining her school’s swim team when she was younger, but was disqualified from meets because she couldn’t kick her legs. But, that didn’t stop her—she now swims with the Special Olympics and also competes with the Special Olympics gymnastics team, allowing her to experience the thrill of competition in a way that works for her.

Despite the obstacles she’s faced, Ashtyn’s love for sports and her positive attitude shine through in everything she does. Whether she’s cheering on her favorite teams, spending time on her family’s farm, or just being with the people she loves, her joy is contagious.

Her ultimate dream is to have a VIP experience at Shippensburg University, and we can’t wait to make it happen for her!

Ashtyn's Dream

Day 1: Construction Queen in the Making 
Ashtyn’s dream weekend kicked off with a surprise pick-up right from her doorstep! First stop: a VIP visit to the Volvo Equipment Visitor Center. The Volvo team rolled out the red carpet with gifts, photos, and a banner just for her—but the real surprise? Ashtyn was presented with her very own Volvo key, giving her the ability to officially drive any Volvo machine! She even got hands-on experience at their specialized facility, trying out real equipment like a total pro. The whole team made her feel like royalty every step of the way. After the action-packed visit, it was time to refuel with dinner at Texas Roadhouse and ice cream tacos for dessert. On the drive back, Ashtyn couldn’t stop saying how much fun she was having—and the best was yet to come!

Day 2: Sports, Surprises, and a Splash 
Day two was all about sports and celebration! After breakfast with her Dream Team captains, Ashtyn headed to a track meet where she snapped a photo with the entire shot put squad—her favorite event! From there, it was on to watch pole vaulting before being honored as an honorary lacrosse team member, running out with the team during introductions. She loved the spotlight! At the baseball field, she joined the coach on the field and threw the first pitch like a champ.

Chick-fil-A lunch in the dining hall kept everyone fueled for the next celebration—tennis senior day! Ashtyn was introduced with the seniors and even broke down the team huddle. But the big finale? A surprise pool party hosted by the entire swim team! She burst through a tunnel of cheering swimmers to her favorite music, with mascots waiting for photo ops. Ashtyn splashed, played, and laughed the night away, wrapping it all up with a pizza party to end her unforgettable dream weekend.

Truly two days full of joy, surprises, and memories that will last forever.

Dream Snapshots

Volvo
Thank you to our National Collegiate Dream Team Sponsor, Volvo Construction Equipment