The CheckMates can usually be found cheering from the stands and watching the Checkers compete for victory at every home game. This time, however, they will be cheering for a different kind of competition – one that involves slightly more makeup and rhinestones – as CheckMate Ashley will be competing in the upcoming Miss North Carolina USA Pageant.

It will be Ashley’s third time competing in the pageant. In 2006, she placed third runner-up out of more than 80 girls. She also cracked the top 10 in 2007. After taking a few years off she says she’s back and hoping to win the title.

"I used my time off to fully prepare myself for the role of Miss North Carolina in hopes of winning the title,” said Ashley. “I'm looking forward to competing again and have high hopes for a positive outcome."

Ashley has had a busy three months since joining the CheckMates in August. As a CheckMate, she rehearses twice a week and volunteers for community appearances such as Walk Now for Autism and Hallo-Wing Golf Tournament to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. As a student at UNCC, she is pursuing a Masters Degree in Elementary Education, all the while managing to squeeze in time to prepare for the Miss North Carolina USA pageant.

In preparation for the pageant, she has been training with pageant fitness trainer Mike Mauney of Body Design by Mike (Stanley, N.C.) and has been provided her wardrobe from Reign Fine Apparel, located in Charlotte.

The pageant is being held in High Point, NC on the weekend of Nov. 13th and 14th. The preliminary round is held on Friday and finals are held on Saturday. There are three phases of competition: interview, swimsuit, and evening gown. The top five will also participate in an onstage interview the night of finals. The winner of the Miss NC USA will compete in the Miss USA pageant in March, located in Las Vegas.

Make us proud Ashley! The CheckMates and the entire Checkers organization wish you the best of luck!