She is one of the most decorated players, if not THE most, in the history of the women’s basketball program at St. Thomas University.
Ashley Bawn came to St. Thomas University from Quispamsis, NB after graduating from Kennebecasis Valley High School and immediately made her presence felt on the court. She was named the team’s Unsung Hero award winner in her rookie year, after that went on a four-year run of being named to All-ACAA teams (1st team in ‘10-11, ‘11-12, and ‘12-13, 2nd team in ‘13-14). She was named Team MVP in both 2011-12 and '12-13, STU's Female Athlete of the Year in '12-13 and was STU’s first ACAA Female Player of the year in ‘12-13. She was a vital part to the Tommies winning four straight ACAA Championships as well. Not only did Bawn rack up the on-court accomplishments, she was a four-time CCAA National Scholar and three-time CCAA Academic All-Canadian.
A graduate in 2013 with a double major in Criminology and Sociology with a minor in Human Rights, and then again in 2015 after completing her Bachelor of Social Work.
Prior to 2019 Bawn had been practicing social work as a Mental Health and Addictions worker on the Child and Youth Team in Oromocto but has since switched roles to a prevention social worker on Kingsclear First Nation.
Now living in Fredericton with her boyfriend and two dogs, Bawn still finds plenty of time to stay involved with basketball by playing and being a member of the coaching staff here at STU.
“I still play basketball a couple times a week and compete in tournaments when available,” said Bawn. “I played four years with Kathleen Johnson, who is one of my best friends and who I co-assistant coach with.”
With four trips to CCAA Nationals under her belt, there are plenty of fond memories to look back on.
“My last season with the team, we made it to the national final. I believe we had 8 or 9 players at that point due to injuries or people quitting. We had no business being there, and we won the semifinal on a three-point shot after being down by 20 at half. I would say that sticks out as my most memorable moments, but honorable mentions go to winning an ACAA title at home and winning an ACAA title with the men’s program at Holland College.”