I think Scott Hamilton was right during his Nationals commentary when he said that Ashley wanted it a little too badly and that that made her pre-anticipate her lutz that she fell on. I sort of feel the same way-- whenever she jumps I always want to tell her to go easy and let the jumps flow from her. She is a hard worker, but I think sometimes there's a limit to working hard on something and not letting a goal out of your sight. You can't always control everything even if all the planning would suggest positive results. I really hope she's still having fun out there; I know she pushes herself very hard. I just hope she will think less while skating her programs next season, have a little bit less intense choreography (this past season's was lovely but a little too jam packed-- even for COP imo), and let her program skate itself. I also hope she doesn't let effort on the lutz take away from other aspects of her skating. I think if she lets herself skate inward with less consciousness she will do very well. There's no question of whether she's got enough talent and potential-- I just worry she's put too much pressure on herself, although I know she thrives under it.
