Lily Ashton | Sport

My name is Lily Ashton. I am 17 years old and enjoy playing basketball, whether it’s with my school team or my Waikato representative team. My passion is basketball; however, I also enjoy rowing, which has taught me the value of discipline, endurance, and teamwork across different sporting environments. I love being part of a positive and competitive team culture where I can build strong friendships, push myself alongside teammates, and share in the same goals and challenges. Sport has given me not only opportunities to grow as an athlete but also to develop qualities like resilience, leadership, and commitment. When I commit to a team, I pride myself on being a reliable and hardworking teammate, always showing up prepared for practices and games and giving 100% effort. I am driven to continually improve my skills, learn new techniques, and challenge myself so I can grow as a player and help my team succeed. I am highly motivated and focused, and I thrive under pressure, enjoying the challenge of performing in competitive situations. I also understand that success requires balance. To perform at my best, I make sure to manage my time between training, work, school, and social life. Staying physically fit, mentally strong, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are important to me, as I know they are the foundations of consistent performance. Looking ahead, I am determined to continue pushing towards my basketball goals, including earning a Division 1 scholarship in America, representing New Zealand as a Tall Fern, and pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology. I appreciate the time, energy, and dedication of my coaches, managers, and mentors who guide me, and I am deeply grateful for the ongoing encouragement from my family, who are my biggest supporters.