As a freshman, point guard
Ashley Mullet has already made a significant impact on the Ashland University women's basketball team.
Whether she is coming off the bench for the team or starting, she has proven time and again that she is ready to do whatever she has to to help the team succeed. Her work ethic, adaptability, and drive are unmatched for most freshmen, keeping her on track toward a promising collegiate career.
"What brought me to AU was the incredible coaches and the culture they have created here in the women's basketball program," she said. "I felt at home as soon as I stepped foot on campus, and the location of it being so close to where I live was a real bonus."
Mullet grew up just down the road from Ashland in Berlin, Ohio. The prep standout attended Hiland High School, where she excelled. In the 2022-23 season, she had her best high school season averaging 16 points, six assists and four rebounds per game. During her high school time, she was also a part of a 2021 Ohio state championship and 2023 state Final Four squad.
"I was also drawn here because of the past winning tradition and the ultimate goal every year to win a national championship," she said. "I knew I would be able to grow both as a person and basketball player at Ashland."
For Mullet, success has followed her throughout her entire basketball career. However, it has not come without an intense work ethic.
"I want to continue to get better every day so that I can put myself in the best position possible to help my team," she said. "Putting in work outside of practice hours really helps my confidence and makes me continue to improve even during the season, because there are always things to work on."
That extra work on the court has helped her grow tremendously over the course of the season. In November, the Eagles traveled north to take on the Ferris State Bulldogs in non-conference play. There, she dished off seven assists to help facilitate the offense, but finished the game with zero points.
The very next game against the Union Bulldogs at home, she responded with a season-high 14 points while going 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. She also passed off two assists.
"Ashley has been an incredible worker from day one. She came on campus in great shape and has put in a ton of work to be ready to contribute right away this year," head coach
Kari Pickens said. "She is always in the gym and never settles for average, but pushes herself in every facet of life."
Mullet began the season as a starter, but with the return of G-MAC Freshman of the Year
Lexi Howe, she has taken on a role as the team's primary sixth player off the bench. There, she continues to fill whatever role is asked of her while maintaining more than 20 minutes of playing time per game.
"Ashley is a joy to coach," Pickens said. "She is quiet but is always present in her work ethic and response to coaching.
"I will be excited to challenge Ashley to grow in her leadership over the next few months."
For most athletes, transitioning from the high school to the college level can be difficult, but due to the support she has received, Mullet hasn't faltered.
"I have really enjoyed my freshman year at Ashland so far," she said. "It has definitely been a challenge to adjust to a new system and playing against a completely different level of skill and strength. My coaches and my teammates have been great guides for me throughout the entire year.
"With their help, I feel I am prepared to navigate any situation I am put in."
With the Eagles having so many leaders on the team, Mullet has been able to look to just about anyone to mentor her.
"So many people on this team have made a huge impact on me, but specifically,
Morgan Yoder and
Hayley Smith, our two senior captains," she said. "They both are such encouragers and have helped me grow in my confidence from the beginning of preseason to where I am now. I've known Mo for a very long time and I've gotten to know Hayley well this year, and their continued efforts to help me grow as a person and player every day has really helped me improve and settle in.
"As much as they have helped me, everyone else in our locker room brings such positive energy, and that creates a fun environment to be a part of, and that has definitely helped me as well."
As Mullet continues through her freshman season, her love for the game continues to be her driving point on what makes her future so bright.
"I really just love shooting by myself or with a few people and always have fun when I'm playing basketball," she said.
Mullet and the Eagles will hit the road on Thursday (Feb. 6) night at Malone. The bout will be for first place in the G-MAC standings.
"My hope for the team is that we continue to push ourselves and each other to reach our full potential and to go win a national championship," concluded Mullet.
