Ashley Hunter has rarely been alone. Being a triplet, she always had someone by her side. That is, until each sibling chose a different college. Her sister went to the University of Missouri, her brother chose Ball State and Ashley came to Moraine Valley, where she found her niche.

Ashley was recruited to play basketball for the Cyclones, and boy did she make her mark. She was looking to continue playing ball in college and felt most comfortable with the coach and team at Moraine Valley. As a freshman in fall 2017, Ashley was a starter for the strong-scoring squad. She finished the season averaging 21.6 points per game, broke a school record for most points scored in a single game (48) and broke an NJCAA record for most field goals in a game (21-for-29). She also tallied 670 points for the season, second in the Cyclone record books. All this coming from an athlete who had limited playing time in high school.

At her alma mater, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Ashley was a role player on a nationally ranked basketball team. Other teammates received more playing time while she was left with a few minutes on the court before the clock ran out. But she stuck with the game she loves.

“I wanted to stay in shape. I still wanted to be around basketball. I wanted to work harder and have the opportunity to play,” she said. “My first season at Moraine Valley was amazing. It opened my eyes to see what I can do on the court. It was such a positive environment. I love the coaches and my teammates.”

Not only did Ashley excel on the court, but in the classroom as well. She maintained a GPA over 3.0, earning an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Freshmen Academic Athlete of the Year honor. She also earned a scholarship in the 2018 Paul Simon Essay Contest answering “How My Community College Changed My Life.”

“I enjoy being a student-athlete. I like going to class then going to practice or going to the gym. I’m watching myself get better all around,” she said.