Pilot in the Spotlight: Ashley Gray

By The Beacon | February 4, 2015 5:36pm
ashley

Molly Vincent |

Pilot in the Spotlight: Ashley Gray

Position: Center

Hometown: Yakima, Washington

Grade: Freshman

 

Why did you choose to play for UP?

You know, I just really like the community around it, the academic side of everything and the coaching staff. It is just a complete package here. It was everything I really wanted in a college.

What’s your favorite part of basketball?

I just enjoy the sport in general. I guess one of the biggest things is the friendships you build. They last a lifetime.

What’s your favorite professional team?

That’s a really tough one! I’m going to go with the Miami Heat, but I like the Trailblazers too.  And I like Cleveland.

How do you bond with your teammates?

We do a lot of different things. We do team activities and we see each other everyday. You’re around each other a lot.

What’s your favorite basketball memory?

That is hard. I think the biggest one I’ve had so far was playing against Gonzaga and going in the game. That was a really big thing for me. The realization that I’m playing at the Division 1 level is a big thing.

How long have you been playing?

Since I was four or five.

What are your favorite activities off the court?

I like to snowboard, wakeboard, hiking and hanging out with friends.

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to the game?

My biggest challenge as a player is being undersized at my position. There’s really nothing I can do about it. There are kids that are 6’ 3” or 6’ 4” [playing forward] and I am 6’1.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I always listen to my pre-game music and I always have gum.

What’s your pre-game music?

It’s rap and hip-hop, so Lil Wayne, YG and Eminem.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I’d probably go somewhere in Europe.  [I would] go to Italy or something.

 

Molly Vincent is a sports reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at vincentm17@up.edu.

 

B