Trinity Western University Spartans women’s basketball head coach Cheryl Jean-Paul has added third year transfer Ashleigh Barnes to TWU’s 2015 recruiting class.
“We are really excited to welcome Ashleigh to our team and school,” Jean-Paul said, of the native of Oceanside, Calif. “She is coming from a well-coached program in California that has been taught by coach Marshall to compete and win and she loves being the toughest defender on the floor, which is a quality that will inspire the rest of her teammates.”
Jean-Paul described Barnes as “a dynamic defender who is prepared to do whatever it takes to get the stop and defend any position and with her leadership and experience, she will make us better every day in practice and in competition.”
“We are blessed to have an athlete who understands the privilege of continuing her post-secondary education and the value of opportunities provided by the school and the athletics department,” Jean-Paul continued. “We welcome her to Trinity Western University and look forward to her becoming a part of a team that is striving to be Complete Champions in the classroom, on court and in life.”
Barnes, who is transferring from Palomar College, captained her squad to a 26-4 record and the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title last season.
During her two years at Palomar, the team was a combined 42-15.
This past year the 5’9” forward averaged 6.6 points per game and five rebounds per game, while shooting 54 percent from the field.
“Ashleigh is a hard-working, gritty, team player. She will be the first to dive on the floor for a loose ball or sacrifice her body to take a charge. She puts the team first and will do whatever it takes to ensure her team is successful,” Palomar Coach Leigh Marshall said. “She’s versatile and can guard any position, whether it’s a strong post player or a quick guard, she takes a lot of pride in her defence. She will bring an air of toughness and tenacity to the court each and every day.”
Barnes, who is a scholar athlete and a graduate of Guajome Park Academy in Vista, Calif., plans to study psychology at TWU.
“I am attending Trinity Western University because they are giving me an opportunity of a lifetime to further my education in a different country and to further my basketball career,” Barnes said. “I am excited for the new scenery but I can’t wait to be surrounded by people who will have the same goals as me academically and athletically.”