ASHLAND – Six days ago, a small crowd gathered outside Kates Gymnasium to send-off the Ashland University women’s basketball team as they left Ashland to travel to Columbus to play in the Division II Elite Eight.
Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after becoming national champions, the Eagles returned to campus and were welcomed home by more than 100 cheering fans.
As the bus pulled into the drive next to Kates, the crowd roared in support of the champion Eagles. The players exited the vehicle, one-by-one, as Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” played from a stereo carried by junior Andi Daugherty. And celebrate they did.
The team worked their way through the crowd, accepting high-fives, applause and hugs before gathering again as a team in front of their bus.
“I like to refer to you now as the ‘purple swarm,’” Ashland coach Robyn Fralick told the crowd. “You’ve been amazing. This journey with this team has been amazing but it’s been even better because we’ve shared it with all of you. So thank you to all of you.”
The players echoed their coach’s sentiments, embracing and appreciating the Ashland community.
“We’re so grateful to the Ashland community and everyone who was able to support us and those who couldn’t get in to the game that came, I know there were quite a few, we love and felt your support all throughout Columbus. So thank you so much,” Daugherty said.
Crestview grad Renee Stimpert was thankful to be able to come back to her hometown as a national champion in her freshman year at AU.
“I’m used to the crowds but what we experienced this week was just unbelievable,” Stimpert said. “It’s awesome to represent Ashland.”
Fun, laughter and smiles were huge parts of Saturday’s welcome home. The players and coaches showed off their dance moves as “Celebration” played again from their boom box.
Lora Markham, who helped organize the welcome home, said she and her family started following the Ashland women during their 2013 national championship season. Her daughter, Emma, picked out a favorite player on that team, Taylor Woods.
“We became close to her and then we just kept getting close with the team and got to know them better,” Markham said.
Fralick invited her to become part of the mentor program the coach has established, linking community members with members of the team to be positive role models. Markham is paired with senior Kelsey Peare.
“When I love something, I’m really passionate about it, and I just love this team,” Markham said.
Any fans who missed Saturday’s homecoming will have another chance to show their support for the Lady Eagles. A parade will step off from Ashland University at 4 p.m. on Tuesday before arriving at Corner Park where a rally will take place.
Coverage of Ashland University Eagles athletics is produced in partnership with OhioHealth, the official sports medicine provider for Ashland University and dozens of high schools and universities throughout Ohio.
