Ashley Bido was voted Suffolk News-Herald Player of the Week after scoring two goals in a playoff win for the King’s Fork High School girls’ soccer team.

Bido recently finished up a strong senior campaign at King’s Fork High School. The Lady Bulldogs advanced all the way to the regional semifinals and lost, but Bido had one of her best games of the season in the quarterfinals. She scored both of the team’s goals in a 2-0 win against Lafayette High School.

“Being able to score those two goals for our regional win was unforgettable,” she said. “In general, I just wanted to play my heart out that game, and I think I did.”

The senior described being able to make plays when the team needs it as incredible. At the same time, she knows that is expected of her.

“I’m just glad I was able to reach everyone’s expectations,” she said.

She felt like her senior season went by way faster than she thought it would. However, she utilized her time the best way she could. This season wasn’t only about her having a successful season but also to be a role model and set an example for her younger teammates, and that is something that she values greatly. Being a leader, to her, is being someone who can relate to her teammates while also finding ways to critique effectively. Of course, it is a challenge getting to know how each person responds; however, Bido felt she handled it well.

Bido’s motivation comes from her desire to win and to prove herself. Her teammates also inspire her as well. She never wants to let them down. Her parents have been there for her from the start, and she never wants to disappoint them. Julie Ertz, a USA National Team soccer player, is a player Bido looks up to, as they play the same positions. She studies and tries to implement those things into her game.

For the most part, Bido was able to accomplish most of the things she set out to accomplish her last year. She wanted her team to make regionals with a decent seeding and also to possibly have another shot at going to the state tournament, which she accomplished her junior year. Overall she wanted to help her team develop into a better team. They fell a game short of the state tournament bid, but she is happy with the season.

“I am proud of how hard everyone worked to get where we got,” she said. “We shouldn’t hold our heads down.”

Looking back on her four years at King’s Fork, going to states was the most enjoyable thing and being able to form the relationships with teammates over the course of four years.

It doesn’t stop here for Bido. She will take her talents to the NCAA Division I level as she will play soccer at the University of North Carolina—Greensboro. She committed last year and signed her National Letter of Intent back in February.