Grizzly guard shines, aims for winning season

For Butler CC standout Freshman Guard, Ashley Singhateh, basketball has been a lifelong journey—one that started all the way back in the fourth grade. Spurred on by her siblings and friends with whom she played while growing up, Singhateh quickly fell in love with the game. Now, as a vital contributor to BCC's squad, she is committed to making a lasting impact both on and off the court.

“The thing I enjoy most about basketball is the relationships that are built through it as well as the winning aspect” Singhateh said.

The will to win is precisely what she and her teammates have been focused on for this season.

“Our goals this season are simply to WIN,” Singhateh said. “Winning is at the top of our agenda, and we plan to do that as much as possible.”

Her journey thus far has been highlighted by numerous unforgettable moments; however, her most treasured moment is the sum of her Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) season.

“Getting to travel all across the country with friends and family was an amazing experience,” Singhateh said.

Plugged into the guard position, she utilizes her size and skill set to emerge as a powerful point guard. As much as Singhateh enjoys her potential to make plays for herself and others, she remains committed to her personal development.

“I’d like to work on my leadership moving forward as well as my mindset,” Singhateh said.

One of the biggest issues she has struggled with during her career as a basketball player is to differentiate between her life as a sports personality and her worth as an individual.

“Learning how to separate my worth as a basketball player and my worth as a person and child of God,” Singhateh said.

Yet, with the support of her family, coaches and faith, Singhateh continues to push forward.

So far, her experience at Butler has been amazing so far.

“My team, teachers, coaches, media, fans and everyone else who plays a role have made Butler something I’ll remember forever,” Singhateh said.

The balance between athletic and academic work can be difficult; however, Singhateh has learned how to juggle it successfully.

“Playing basketball and balancing academic life becomes very low stress when we utilize the resources given to us,” Singhateh said. “From time to time, we miss class for games, but besides that our schedules are constructed around school.”

On competitive days, she has a no-nonsense approach to preparation.

“I just try to get as much sleep as possible,” Singhateh said. “Naps are a necessity for me, but I tend to play my best when I am playing free and having fun.”

Singhateh recommends that aspiring players work out but be careful not to overdo it in order to develop their skills. The importance is to balance this out, according to this Grizzly basketball player.

As a huge Kobe Bryant fan, she respects his fierce work ethic and competitive drive that he exhibited on the court. However, Singhateh cites her mother and aunt as the inspiring people in her life.

“My mom has taken me places and spent loads of money to get me where I am today,” Singhateh said. “She’s always helped me keep my head up, and my aunt developed me from a young age, pushing me to do uncomfortable things that have now paid off.”

Her inspiration is her profound love for the game and the need to better herself. 

“My motivation is the love for the game as well as the desire to get better at something I’ve invested so much in,” Singhateh said.

Apart from sports, Singhateh enjoys a broad range of activities such as coloring, cleaning, thrifting and spending time with her family. Though Singhateh has not yet chosen a specific career path and is enrolled in general studies, her basketball future appears promising.

After Butler, Singhateh plans to continue playing at a university, a new beginning she is eagerly anticipating. Until then, she is focused on the season ahead of her, determined to give it everything she has on the court and to lead her team to win.