Ashley Guymon

“Ashley Guymon has called Herriman home for nearly a decade, and she treasures the community she’s found there. “”People here are kind and good. There’s still a small-town feel, and it’s because of who lives here,” she says. An outdoor enthusiast, Ashley loves the trails in the Oquirrh Mountains and the friendly faces she encounters around town. Her connection to Herriman has deepened over the years as she’s built her life around family, adventure, and community service.

As the CEO of Adaptive Arena Foundation in Bluffdale, Ashley is making a significant impact by providing free sports leagues for children with disabilities. Adaptive Arena, which she co-founded with her sisters, integrates both disabled and able-bodied kids in Paralympic-style sports. For instance, in wheelchair basketball, all athletes use a wheelchair, whether or not they typically do, fostering inclusion and understanding. Inspired by relatives with disabilities, Ashley wanted to create more athletic opportunities for kids like them, leading to the creation of the foundation.

Ashley’s journey to adaptive sports was influenced by her personal experiences with overcoming challenges. Born and raised in Utah, she earned a degree in Elementary Education from BYU and began her career as a teacher in Nebo School District. After moving to Colorado with her husband and four children, Ashley continued her passion for teaching and is still an active volunteer in Herriman’s schools.

In her early 30s, Ashley was an avid runner and endurance athlete, competing in marathons and triathlons. However, after suffering a back injury that caused nerve damage in her leg, she was forced to step away from the sports she loved. Despite the setback, she found new ways to stay active, discovering safer activities like hiking, and even completing the Grand Canyon trek three times. This experience taught her to embrace adaptability and resilience, values she now applies to her work at Adaptive Arena.

Reflecting on her journey, Ashley says, “Maybe it wasn’t racing I loved, but the challenge. I’ve learned to find fulfillment in adaptation, and that challenges aren’t just meant to be overcome, but enjoyed along the way.” The athletes she works with have reinforced this belief, showing her that limitations are not barriers but opportunities to grow. “Never tell these kids they can’t do something—they’ll find a way and prove you wrong,” she says proudly.

More than anything, Ashley is most proud of her family. Married for 22 years, she and her husband are raising their four children to embrace the same values of resilience, service, and adventure that have shaped her life. Whether she’s helping children discover their strengths at Adaptive Arena or exploring the outdoors, Ashley’s life is a testament to the power of community, adaptation, and the joy of overcoming challenges.”