The Ashland Women’s Basketball team has had much success in recent years, and one of their star players aiding in that success is senior forward Hayley Smith.
Hayley Smith began her basketball career in the fourth grade when her dad convinced her to try out for her school’s little league.
“I really didn’t want to play at the time, but my dad had me stay in it. It’s kind of funny looking back on that now because of how much basketball has changed my life,” Smith said.
Family seems to be a recurring theme in Smith’s basketball career, it’s what got her not only into the sport but what kept her in it. Ashland University provided her with a second family.
“Your teammates become family and those bonds are so deep and strong. The sense of love, belonging, and pride that you feel when you play for Ashland women’s basketball is unmatched,” Smith says.
The sense of pride she mentions stems from the community of Ashland’s constant support of the AU Women’s Basketball team. After winning the National Championship in 2023, Hayley says, “as we drove through Ashland, the streets were lined with fans and community members cheering us on. This stretched from downtown all the way to Kates Gymnasium.”
The team was greeted after winning the championship with love from the city of Ashland.
“When we got out of the bus, we were met with family, classmates and other community members. There were hundreds and hundreds of people there to congratulate us,” Smith said.
The community always being there for the team enforces the strong sense of family for Smith.
Hayley makes sure to contribute to the team’s family dynamic every day. Her teammate, sophomore guard Lexi Howe, finds Hayley is someone she can lean on both on and off the court.
“Hayley brings an outstanding energy, passion, and love to the team. She has such an outgoing personality and pours so much into others. Her drive to be the best and most encouraging player goes a long way. Her voice is consistently heard and seeks out the best in her teammates, not only on the court but in life as well,” Howe says.
Hayley’s positive impact is noticed by her coaches as well. Head Coach Kari Pickens finds that, “day in and day out, Hayley brings energy, talent, and an unmatched desire to be her best. Her voice is always heard on the court to go along with her dominant presence on both sides of the ball.
Women’s basketball fans can follow Smith throughout her last season with updates on goashlandeagles.com. Her coach finds that she is continuing to improve through her final season.
“More than that though, Hayley wants to be the best she can be. She strives to improve her game in all facets, and it is being showcased by an outstanding senior season.”
