The first time I ever played against Ashleigh Johnson was at a tournament in Florida when I was about 12 years old. Ashleigh was a goalie and I noticed her right away. She was incredible, getting out to her legs like no one I had ever seen. I remember getting super competitive trying to score on her, even trying to match how high she got out of the water. My team ended up winning, but I never forgot how talented Ashleigh was.Years later, when Ashleigh began training with us on the U.S. womens water polo team, I knew for a fact this was where she belonged. At the time, Ashleighs main focus was simply on making the team, not history. She was just going out there to do her thing and trying to achieve her dream. She never thought of herself as different.In reality, Ashleigh did stand out. First off, all of the women on our national team are from California and competed in college there as well. Ashleigh is from Florida and goes to Princeton. Moreover, she is the best goalie in the world, and considerably the best player in the world.I can tell you from experience that finding an opening to score on Ashleigh is difficult because, unlike most goalies, she plays with an attacking mentality. Most goalies have a defensive mentality whereas Ashleigh attacks the ball. Shell leave her cage to anticipate the steal and often dares opponents to shoot against her. When a shot flies past me, Im already swimming to offense because I know Ashleigh will block it.Ashleigh is changing the way water polo is being played. Of course, shes changing the game in other ways, too. She is the first African-American woman ever to play on the U.S. womens water polo team, and was instrumental in winning the second straight gold medal for our program at the Olympics this past summer in Rio.In the last couple of years, Ashleigh has recognized a door was opened for her to be a role model, and she hasnt shied away from walking through it.I remember a team meeting during our training for the Olympics in which we talked about female empowerment. Ashleigh spoke about the impact she could have on others, both in and out of our sport. She said that growing up she never had anyone like herself to look up to in water polo, and now she could be that person for other young African-American girls. She could show what was possible.Ashleigh is simply a pleasure to be around. Whether shes at a function getting an award or around little kids, her kindness and poise make people feel comfortable when theyre around her. She has an incredible light that she emits, and her smile lights up the whole room.When I face Ashleigh in practice, I am brought back to the first time we played against one another as little girls back in Florida. I want to get a shot past her, I want to beat her, but she never, ever, makes it easy. I am lucky to have someone who brought out the best of me then, and continues to bring out the best in me today. I know my strong, intelligent and kind teammate is going to make a big difference in the lives of countless others, just as she has for us.More on Ashleigh Johnson? The Undefeated: Johnsons beautiful saves ?Story ?? What drives Olympic gold medalists ?Video ?? Inspiring words from Olympic stars ?Story ?The IMPACT25 is espnWs annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest difference for women in sports. Explore the 2016 list and more content at espnW.com/IMPACT25. http://www.nflcardinalsrookiestore.com/Cardinals-Tyvon-Branch-Jersey/ . 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