Ashley Anderson is quickly making a name for herself both on and off the court. She’s a first-year business marketing student at Fanshawe College, and her journey to becoming a standout player on the women’s basketball team has been anything but ordinary.

While most college athletes pick up their sport early in their youth, Anderson took a somewhat unconventional route.

“I started playing seriously in Grade 10,” she explained. “I played for a rep team in Grade 12, but we didn’t have much of a season because of COVID.”

The pandemic disrupted her chances to develop early, but it also taught her resilience.

“It was tough,” she recalled. “But once things started opening up again, I got back on the court and just focused on improving.”

Her growth didn’t go unnoticed. Her dedication to the game eventually led her to sign with Fanshawe, where she could refine her skills and pursue her academic goals.

Choosing Fanshawe wasn’t just about academics, it was also about finding the right environment to thrive as an athlete.

“I was debating whether to go to university right away, but I wanted to ease into things,” said Anderson.

As a student-athlete, Anderson has learned to juggle the demands of both school and sports. Right before we spoke with Anderson for our interview, she sat down with one of her coaches, Nicole Carriere, to set up a schedule. Despite the challenges, she’s proving to be a quick learner–on the court and in the classroom.

And her impact is already being felt on the court. While she’s still in her first season with the Falcons, her coaches have seen her make an immediate difference.

“One of the reasons we recruited her is her ability to run the floor,” Carriere said. “Our style of play is fast-paced, and having a player with her size and athleticism is a huge asset. She’s been fantastic on both offence and defence.”

Anderson’s height and agility allow her to excel in rebounding and shot blocking, two key areas that the Falcons value. But what really sets her apart, according to her coach, is her defensive ability.

“Even when she’s not having the best offensive game, she still makes an impact on the defensive end,” Carriere noted. “Her work ethic and ability to adapt to our style of play have made her a great fit for the team.”

Despite Anderson’s individual achievements, she emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“My teammates are very supportive. If I make a mistake, they’ve got my back. We have a very team-first mentality.”

As the season progresses, it’s clear Anderson is a player to watch. With her work ethic, athleticism, and positive attitude, she’s poised to make a lasting impact on the Fanshawe Falcons and beyond.