Ashland University’s Athletic Department and the women’s basketball team recently announced the formation of their Fastbreak Club.

Similar to the football program’s Gridiron Club, the Fastbreak Club was created with the goals of providing the best opportunities for members of the women’s basketball team while also creating a community of support surrounding the community. 

AU Athletic Director, Al King says the idea has been brewing within the department for the past few months and the decision was made primarily based on support and interest from the Ashland community.

“Anytime you can do anything that is going to enhance the program, it is going to benefit the student athlete’s,” King said. “After seeing what the Gridiron Cclub has done, we have individuals who express interest in doing the same for women’s basketball.”

The women’s basketball program has had a tradition of strong community support over the years and these community members have begun to voice interest in beginning this type of club for the program.

Head women’s basketball coach Robyn Fralick said the Fastbreak Club will create an even greater relationship between the program, its players and the community.

“The main purpose is to act as a really good connector,” Fralick said. “We have a really good support with the community and we want our girls to connect with the people who have been supporting us for so long and also maximize the opportunities for our players.”

Along with acting as a connector, the Fastbreak Club is designed to enhance the experience each player has during their time playing at AU. 

“We want to be able to do things at a top level, whether it is our gear and equipment or traveling and exploring different parts of the country,” Fralick said. “These things will help to maximize their experience.”

Fralick says next fall she plans on taking the team to the Dominican Republic for a tournament.

“This is something that we will not be able to do every year, but hopefully once during a player’s four years with us,” Fralick said.

Dwight McElfresh, an Ashland community member and former administrator in the Ashland school district was named president of the Fastbreak Club.

“His background fits very well with a lot of the things we want to do,” King said. “He has a lot of experience with the clubs, different organizations in town and he is willing to do a lot of things for this club.”

McElfresh has been close with both the men and women’s basketball programs and is also on the board of the Gridiron Club. 

“He is a really positive person,” Fralick said. “We are very thankful for him because he made this idea into a reality.”