Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashby Grace Zubulevich |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 2007 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Parents | Nancy O’Dell and Keith Zubulevich |
| Siblings | Stepbrothers Tyler and Carson |
| Grandparents | Betty Humphries and Leonard Humphries (maternal) |
| Education | La Cañada High School (graduated 2025); Duke University (freshman as of 2025) |
| Occupation | Student-athlete (volleyball player) |
| Notable Achievements | Over 1,600 career kills in high school; 330 kills in freshman college season |
Early Life and Family Roots
Ashby Grace Zubulevich entered the world like a gentle wave crashing onto the shores of a bustling city, born on June 11, 2007, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces and stretching 22 inches long, her arrival marked a pivotal chapter in her parents’ lives. Her mother, Nancy O’Dell, a vibrant television host known for her charisma in entertainment journalism, was 41 at the time. Nancy had risen from her South Carolina roots, where she claimed the Miss South Carolina title in 1987 and graduated magna cum laude from Clemson University in marketing. The name Ashby honored Nancy’s grandfather, while Grace was a cherished choice the couple had long favored for a daughter. Sharing her birthday with her maternal grandfather, Leonard Humphries, added a layer of serendipity to her story.
Her father, Keith Zubulevich, then 38, brought a steady presence as a business executive with experience at companies like Riverbed Technology and Conviva Networks. Their meeting in an airport security line blossomed into marriage on June 29, 2005, in Santa Barbara, blending families seamlessly. Ashby grew up with two stepbrothers from Keith’s previous marriage: Tyler, born around 1995, and Carson, born around 1999. These older siblings taught her resilience early on, turning family play into lessons of toughness. Raised in the affluent suburb of La Cañada Flintridge, California, Ashby’s childhood unfolded amid Hollywood’s glow, yet grounded in simple joys like watching classic shows such as Gilligan’s Island and The Golden Girls with her mother.
Tragedy touched the family young. Nancy’s mother, Betty Humphries, battled ALS and met her newborn granddaughter in a poignant moment before passing away around 2008. This loss deepened family bonds, with Nancy viewing Ashby as having a guardian angel watching over her. Leonard Humphries, Betty’s husband, remained a steady figure, his shared birthday with Ashby symbolizing enduring connections. Through it all, Ashby emerged as a kind, drama-free child, praised by teachers for her inclusivity and self-confidence.
Family Dynamics and Challenges
Ashby’s family life was like a finely woven tapestry, full of support but sometimes challenged by change. Following their September 2016 split, which they attributed to irreconcilable reasons, Nancy and Keith placed a high priority on co-parenting. Keith filed for the divorce in November 2017 and it was finalized in 2018. The divorce distributed holidays and assets fairly, but never affection. Ashby, who was about ten years old at the time, was able to maintain strong relationships with both parents thanks to joint custody. After making adjustments to her busy work, Nancy left Entertainment Tonight in 2019 to spend precious time with her daughter, who was rapidly maturing.
Tyler and Carson, the stepbrothers, were important protective figures. As the youngest and only female, Ashby learned to negotiate a sense of oneness via family trips and daily routines. Brief phrases capture moments in time: There was laughter. Bonds got stronger. Love triumphed over obstacles. Full of Life: Mom-to-Mom Advice I Wish Someone Had Told Me, Nancy’s book Her 2009 book When I Was Pregnant, which offered insights into the pleasures and challenges of pregnancy, was based on her experiences raising Ashby.
Empathy was like a calm river in this mixed-race home. Keith offered stability, and Nancy gracefully assumed the role of stepmother. Public appearances, such as Ashby and her mother’s attendance at the 2022 Best Buddies’ Celebration of Mothers event in Malibu, demonstrated their ongoing bond. Holidays and other occasions continued to be shared celebrations in spite of the divorce, demonstrating a dedication to maintaining family unity.
Athletic Journey and Achievements
Ashby’s passion for sports ignited early, transforming her into a formidable force on the volleyball court, much like a phoenix rising with unyielding energy. Standing at 6 feet, she dominated at La Cañada High School, where she set records and earned accolades. By 2024, she claimed MVP honors in the Rio Hondo League, leading California in kills as a junior with over 1,600 career kills. Her stats shone: top-three in kills, top-10 in digs, and top-15 in hitting percentage in her division. In 2022, she was named offensive player of the year and made the Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament team.
Transitioning to college, Ashby joined Duke University in 2025 as a freshman outside hitter. She appeared in 30 matches, starting 26, and ranked second on the team with 330 kills, 31 aces, 175 digs, 22 assists, and 28 blocks, amassing 378 points. Career highs included 21 kills against NC State on September 26 and Wake Forest on September 28, plus four aces against Florida State on November 23. She led Duke in kills 15 times and notched double-digit kills in 15 matches. A four-time Dean’s List honoree, she balanced academics with athletic prowess, embodying the student-athlete ideal.
Her journey reflects determination. Early involvement in multiple sports honed her skills, but volleyball became her arena. No professional earnings are noted yet, as NCAA rules guide her path, though her trajectory hints at future promise.
Recent Activities and Milestones
With notable performances in games like the 3-1 loss to Florida State, where she led with 16 kills, Ashby’s rookie season at Duke in 2025 made headlines. She recorded 16 kills in each of her previous games against Davidson and Appalachian State. Through her Instagram, she keeps a low-key, controversy-free profile while focusing on training and her family.
Family milestones are still interwoven. Nancy expressed delight in her daughter’s independence and observed the significant changes as Ashby went off to college. Co-parenting guarantees smooth transitions, and Keith’s support is unwavering.
Extended Timeline
Ashby’s life unfolds in a chronological tapestry, marked by personal and familial milestones.
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Parents’ Marriage | Nancy O’Dell weds Keith Zubulevich in Santa Barbara; stepbrothers Tyler (age 10) and Carson (age 6) integrate into the family. |
| 2007 | Birth | Arrives June 11 at Cedars-Sinai; weighs 7 pounds, 9 ounces; meets grandmother Betty despite her ALS struggle. |
| 2008 | Grandmother’s Passing | Betty Humphries succumbs to ALS; leaves a legacy of strength for Ashby. |
| 2010 | Childhood Traits Emerge | At age 3, displays toughness amid play with brothers; enjoys classic TV with mother. |
| 2016 | Parental Separation | Nancy files for separation in September; amicable process begins. |
| 2017 | Divorce Proceedings | Keith files in November; joint custody arranged for Ashby, age 10. |
| 2018 | Divorce Finalized | Parents part ways but commit to co-parenting. |
| 2019 | Career Adjustment | Nancy exits Entertainment Tonight to prioritize time with Ashby, age 12. |
| 2022 | Public Event | Joins Nancy at Best Buddies’ Mothers event in Malibu. |
| 2024 | High School Glory | Earns Rio Hondo League MVP; records over 1,600 kills. |
| 2025 | College Beginnings | Starts at Duke; achieves 330 kills in freshman season, with highs of 21 kills in key matches. |
This timeline captures the ebb and flow of growth, from tender beginnings to soaring achievements.
FAQ
Who are Ashby Grace Zubulevich’s parents?
Ashby is the daughter of television host Nancy O’Dell and business executive Keith Zubulevich, who married in 2005 and divorced amicably in 2018 while prioritizing co-parenting.
What is Ashby Grace Zubulevich known for?
She is recognized as a talented volleyball player, with impressive high school records and a strong freshman season at Duke University in 2025.
Does Ashby Grace Zubulevich have siblings?
Yes, she has two stepbrothers, Tyler and Carson, from her father’s previous marriage, who have been integral to her family life since childhood.
What are Ashby Grace Zubulevich’s grandparents’ names?
Her maternal grandparents are Betty Humphries, who passed away from ALS around 2008, and Leonard Humphries, with whom she shares a birthday.
Where did Ashby Grace Zubulevich attend school?
She graduated from La Cañada High School in 2025 and enrolled as a freshman at Duke University that same year, excelling in academics and athletics.
What are some of Ashby Grace Zubulevich’s volleyball achievements?
In high school, she set a record with over 1,600 career kills and earned MVP honors; at Duke, she recorded 330 kills and led the team in several categories during her 2025 freshman season.
How tall is Ashby Grace Zubulevich?
She stands at 6 feet tall, a height that contributes to her dominance as an outside hitter in volleyball.
What influenced Ashby Grace Zubulevich’s name?
Her first name honors her great-grandfather, while her middle name, Grace, was a long-favored choice by her parents.
Has Ashby Grace Zubulevich faced any family challenges?
Her parents’ divorce in 2018 presented changes, but the family maintained strong bonds through joint custody and shared milestones.
What are Ashby Grace Zubulevich’s interests outside of sports?
She enjoys watching nostalgic TV shows like The Golden Girls and values family time, reflecting a grounded personality amid her athletic pursuits.
