Leadership. It is a trait that most athletes strive for as it could go a long way in helping the team. Annie Roshak has done just that in her sophomore season here at AU.

With the departures of Jodi Johnson, Rene Stimpert and Sara Loomis, Roshak has taken over as one of the leaders on the team.

“She’s done phenomenal,” junior guard Hallie Heidemann said. “She’s a player, a performer and a winner and she has been able to step into that role really well. It just seems natural for her.”

The beginning of the 2021 season was not easy for the team with Coronavirus liabilities in the way.
Things were even tougher for Roshak, who missed the first two games of the season due to injuries.

In her return to the court, she dropped 32 points against Grand Valley State. “It was such a long time coming for me,” Roshak said. “Our season got cut short last March and then didn’t start until January this year so I was definitely really excited to play.”

The freshmen on this Ashland Women’s Basketball team have already been looking up to the team’s leading scorer.

“Being both a guard and a forward, I have definitely had to learn how to be versatile,” freshman Erica Warren said. “[Annie] has definitely been one the players that have helped guide me, especially down in the post.”

Even Roshak herself has noticed a difference in the role she has attacked so far this year.

“Being in the system for a year you learn a lot,” she said. “Being able to show others the ropes while also knowing for myself what I needed to work and improve on and just being able to put those things into practice.”

When asked to describe Roshak in just one word, there are many answers but two stood out. Passionate and competitive.

“Even when the times have been rough and we’re not getting shots down, she’s just so eager to get everyone encouraged,” Warren said. “She always wants us to get back out there and fight and that comes with her just wanting to win and wanting to play the game.”

The Eagles have been doing all they can to adjust to a different 2021 basketball season but having a leader in Annie Roshak has certainly made it easier for head coach Kari Pickens and her squad.