Ashen Ward

Name: Ashen Ward

School/Mascot: Youngstown State University/ Penguins

Sport: Men’s Basketball

Class: Sophomore

Current City: Youngstown, Ohio

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Birth date: November 6th, 1989

Age: 20

Height/Weight: 6"4' / 220lbs

On your sport…

How long have you played? What inspired you to play?

I've been playing basketball for as long as I can remember. I was about 4 years old dunking on my Fisher Price Basketball Hoop. In my neighborhood growing up all my friends and I really did was play basketball. From there I fell in love with the game and I've been playing ever since.

Where is your favorite place to play (compete)?

I love to play at Euclid Creek whenever I'm back home with my boys. I've had some good times there.

What is your favorite number? Why?

My favorite number is 20! When I was younger my cousin and I used to play sports video games together and create ourselves on the game. He would always give himself number 10 and I used to say I always wanted to be twice as good as he was so I choose number 20 for my player. From there the number stuck with me and its actually the number I wear to this day.

Who is the best player you’ve played WITH and AGAINST?

The best player I've ever played with was my high school teammate David Lighty. He now plays for one of the elite schools in the country, Ohio State. The best player I've ever played against would have to be Daequan Cook of the Miami Heat. I played against his high school team and he scored 50 on us and made it seem effortless.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Not really, although I always pray to God during the National Anthem.

If you didn’t play your sport, what sport would you play?

I would definitely be playing football. It was always a passion of mines when I was younger but my mom was really big on going to church on Sundays so she never would have been able to see me play. So I joined the basketball leagues in my neighborhood because the games were on Wednesday.

What is the worst experienced you’ve had? What did you learn from it?

The worst experience I've ever had was in the State Semi-Finals game when my high school team lost by one point on a last second shot. It crushed me but it made me a tougher player in the end. I hate to lose and that game made me work harder than ever to prevent it from happening again.

Have you ever had an injury while performing your sport?

Yes I broke my ankle two weeks before the first game in my senior year of high school.

What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment?

After my junior season in high school I was award the Ohio Division III Player of the Year Award. I couldn't believe it.

What is your most memorable moment? Why?

Receiving the Ohio Division III Player of the Year Award my junior year of high school. I can remember working so hard to improve my game and winning that award gave me much satisfaction.

How has your sport helped you become who you are today?

My sport has taught me about both struggles and success. Its open doors for me as well as introduced me to some influential people who have helped me grow as a player and a man.

How has your family reacted to all of your sporting success?

There my greatest support system. Sometimes I think my mom is more anxious before the games than I am. Her and my dad comes to every home game. My cousin motivates me to be the best and he's always pushing me to dominate. I know my whole family is proud of me and praying for me to succeed even more.

Behind your sport…

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like to listen to music mostly. Sometimes I just turn on my iPod, lay on my bed and just chill. I'm really a laid back person.

Name 3 Fun Facts about yourself that people may not know.

* I’m the only child

* I’m a mama's boy. My mom is my Best friend in the world.

* I think I can sing sometimes but I'm too nervous to do it in front of people. I have my own personal concerts in the shower though.

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook

Ps3, Xbox or neither?

Xbox. I just got hooked up online recently. If you wanna play NBA2K10 hit me up at AshenWard20.

What is your favorite part about college?

My favorite part is the independence. Nobody has to take care of me and I don't have to worry anyone depending on me.

What is your favorite quote?

Men lie. Women lie. Numbers don't!

Who is the most influential person you’ve met? Why?

My freshman basketball coach Tony Redding. He's taught me so much about both basketball and life.

What do you value the most?

What I value most is loyalty. I'm a true and trusting person and I take pride in that. I try to surround myself around the same type of people.

What is your major? Why did you choose it?

My major is education. I love to work with children and I feel like becoming a teacher would be a great way to effect the youth as well as the world. There aren't many males in the school system nowadays and our children especially young men need good male role models. I hope to provide them with one.

Outside of your sport, what are your visions/goals in life?

Having and supporting a family. I love family and I can't wait to start one of my own.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully playing professional basketball somewhere.

Final thoughts…

How do you feel about being the Dorm Rumor?

It’s an excellent thing for the youth of today. A positive outlook on what's happening in the world.

What are your thoughts about Mylan Murphy?

Mylan Murphy is the leader of a culture; where the young people of today can explore great heights without losing focus on the man above.

What will you continue to Strive4?

I’m going to strive to be a better man of God and a role model for future generations. Whether it’s with basketball or in the classroom. I’m striving for success!

Follow Ashen's athletic career at http://www.ysusports.com/mens_bball/bios/ward.htm