OTTOVILLE, Ohio (WLIO) — Ottoville senior Ashton Miller doesn't shy away from a challenge. He's a dual-sport athlete, playing both soccer and basketball.

"The work that he puts in both in season and out of season is truly something special. And so I'm most proud of him for that work ethic and the pride that he takes in his individual accomplishments and our team accomplishments," said former Ottoville boys basketball head coach Keith Utendorf.

Balancing two sports isn't easy, but Miller makes it look effortless. "I think a big part of it is they both keep me in shape for the other. I feel like that helps me a lot in basketball. Just the mixture between those and keeping me in shape and keeping me healthy," he said.

Miller will continue his basketball career at the next level. The Big Green senior is committed to Ohio Northern University. Utendorf added, "As a program, we're very, very proud of that. I think he's the next one that has a chance to go do some things and people love Putnam County kids because they work their tail off. They're about the team, the we over me. And so he's just another example of that, and we're proud to see him kind of go on and have the next level of accomplishments that he's going to enjoy."

And when it comes to his academics, Miller has a 3.88 GPA.

"He's so talented. I don't even know if he knows quite how talented he is as far as a leader and everything he really brings to the table. I think a lot of it comes really natural to him and then his work ethic kind of helps him to continue to grow more," said Ottoville English teacher Shawn Knodell.

At ONU, Miller will focus on business administration with plans for law school, crediting his brother for the inspiration. "It really presents a whole new idea to what I thought I would be doing right now. And within the past year or two, it's just something I've really been interested in, and he's kind of led me further down that road," Miller said.

From the court to the classroom, Ashton Miller has made his presence felt in more ways than one. But for him, the real goal isn't recognition — it's leaving a lasting impact on the next generation. "I just want to be remembered for someone who came in and made a positive impact. Whether that's on the basketball court, on the soccer field, or in the classroom, it really doesn't matter to me. I just want to be someone who kind of leaves my mark here and is remembered for making an influence on the younger generations," he said.

Congratulations to Ashton Miller — our newest McDonald's Scholar Athlete of the Week of the Week.

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