Freshman forward Jenna Slates may only be in her first season with the Eagles, but she has immediately stepped into the spotlight for the Eagles.

Slates in her rookie campaign has been spectacular averaging a double-double with 16 points to go along with 11.5 rebounds a game. She has impressed many being able to tack on two Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) player of the week awards already. Slates has recorded 15 double doubles on the season already,which is good for seventh in Division II basketball and is averaging 9.1 defensive rebounds which is first in all of Division II.

Slates, coming from Hartville, OH, has already seen a huge difference from playing basketball at the high school level and the college level. “I think transitioning from high school it’s just hard work,” says Slates, “I came from a program we barely watched film; we never lifted and coming into Ashland that’s all we did in preseason.”

Head Coach Kari Pickens has nothing but high praise for the freshman forward. “Jenna’s having arguably one of the best freshman years I’ve ever seen anyone have coming through this program,” says Coach Pickens, “However some of the biggest things that I think have allowed her to adjust well is that one she is a really high competitor and pushes herself to be the best in every single thing that she can do.”

For associate Head Coach Jenna Kotas, it has been the mentality that Slates has brought into the program that has helped her thrive. “It’s her want, it’s her grit. It’s her mentality that she is going to get hers in order forus to win,” Coach Kotas says, “Without [Slates], I don’t think we would have the season that we’re having right now.

“I love it,” Slates remarks about her first year at Ashland, “I’ve grown so close to so many people whether it is on the basketball team or just people I’ve met just walking around campus.”

The relationships she has made with her teammates has also been a big part in Slates first year on campus. “We just love spending time together,” Slates remarks, “After practice we will go get dinner and then we will go to the student center and just study.” Team bonding for the Eagles has been key to their success this season.

There were many schools that were interested in Slates coming out of high school and she knew it was going to be a big decision on where she was going to spend the next four years of her career. While Slates visited other G-MAC schools, she quickly fell in love with the culture that Ashland brought to the table.

“I fell in love with the coaching staff,” Slates says, “They are so personable, they care about your life… and the community you never see at any other G-MAC school the amount of people in the stands.” Slates knew the culture that has been set at Ashland was one that could have an impact on her for the next four years.

Slates continues to work on improvements in her game, adding in an outside shot to go along with her presence down low. “I feel like if I just keep working and working that they are not going to know how to guard me” Slates remarks. She continues to sit at the top of the G-MAC in terms of points per game and rebounds per game as the season winds down.

The Eagles are coming towards the end of the regular season and still fighting for a spot in the G-MAC tournament, and Slates will be at the forefront for the Eagles. You can follow along with the rest of Slates freshman year at goashlandeagles.com