How One Student is Chasing His Pro Disc Golf Dreams with the Help of Online Learning

Early Passion Meets Professional Ambition

At just 17 years old, Asher is already making a name for himself in the world of professional disc golf. A senior from Lakewood, Washington, Asher is competing at the highest levels of the sport while completing high school online, proving that with the right educational support, students do not have to choose between academics and ambitious athletic goals.

Earlier this year, Asher reached a major milestone in his career when he captured his first win in the Mixed Professional Open (MPO) Division, the top professional tier in disc golf. The victory marked a turning point for the young athlete, who has his sights set on competing full-time on the Disc Golf Pro Tour.

Asher credits much of his success to the flexibility and structure provided by Washington Virtual Academies (WAVA). Through WAVA, Asher has been able to fully commit to both his education and his athletic development.

A School Schedule that Supports his Goals

A member of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) since 2020, Asher regularly travels across the country to compete in tournaments. His competition schedule has taken him to Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, experiences that would be difficult to manage within a traditional school schedule.

Asher joined WAVA in seventh grade after discovering disc golf during the pandemic. When his former school transitioned back to in-person learning, it became clear that a conventional classroom schedule would limit his ability to train and travel at the level required to compete professionally. Through WAVA’s state-certified Flex Program, Asher found the balance he needed. The self-paced structure allows him to train several hours a day, travel for tournaments, and remain academically on track.

Family Support and School Partnership Makes the Difference

Asher’s mom, Amy, says WAVA’s structure and support have made all the difference: “Asher already knew what he wanted; to play disc golf, he needed to set his own schedule, I needed the level of understanding with the teachers. It all seemed like they just had it together… and the fact that it was a public school offering a Flex program structure and local to us, it was a no-brainer.”

What’s Next for Asher

Now, as a senior, Asher is taking his academic journey even further by participating in Washington’s Running Start program through WAVA. He is earning college credits toward an

associate degree while finishing high school and competing professionally as a sponsored Discmania athlete. He plans to attend Grand Canyon University (GCU) in the Fall to study Business Management and try out for the college Disc Golf team. Post-graduation, he hopes to go on the Disc Golf Pro Tour.

Looking ahead, Asher’s goals extend beyond national competition. He plans to compete internationally, including at the Japan Open in 2027, continuing to grow his career on a global stage.

Asher’s story highlights how online public education can open doors for students with extraordinary goals. With the flexibility to learn beyond the traditional classroom, students like Asher are able to pursue elite athletics, higher education, and personal passions all at once, without sacrificing academic success.