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.
