Even before stepping foot on the hardwood for the high school varsity team, Ashlynn Shade had 4 DI scholarship offers. At the time, she was just 15 years old and yet to score points for the high school team at Noblesville. Fast forward to today, she has established herself as one of the key players for Geno Auriemma. Even though this season, she has been contributing from the bench majorly, the head coach appreciates the sophomore guard.
“I know that I am guilty of taking Ashlynn Shade for granted. Probably the thing I appreciate the most about her is that she’s my target for everything that goes wrong on the team, and I appreciate that she doesn’t hold it against me personally.” So, the HOFer coach is all confident about Shade’s abilities. But where does she get her confidence from?
Who are Ashylnn Shade’s parents? What do they do?
Matt and Kasey Shade are Ashlynn Shade’s parents. Unfortunately, there is no other information available about the two. However, their extent of support is not only them watching their daughter play, but even the local community members join in. The Shade family has a private section reserved at Crafters, a local sports bar and restaurant near their hometown of Noblesville, Indiana. So, having one central place for everyone to come and watch Ashlynn has meant the world not only to their family but to Ashlynn as well.
“Ash is a family person first. A lot of family and friends just get inspired by watching her play. She definitely has that ‘it’ factor because people kind of gravitate towards watching her play.” Matt Shade shared about his daughter in 2024. Apart from watching and supporting, they have another plan as well to help the next generation of hoopers.
Dec 17, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; (lL to R) UConn Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21), guard Ashlynn Shade (12), guard Paige Bueckers (5) and guard Kaitlyn Chen (20) react after a three point basket against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
In 2017, Matt and Kasey Shade helped found Indiana Girls Basketball (IGB), a local AAU all-girls basketball program. It aims to help promote the sport and support female basketball players. Interestingly, the 5 ft 10 Huskies guard also competes on IGB’s AAU team while also dedicating time to coaching and teaching in its youth programs.
Does Ashlynn Shade have any siblings?
As per UConn Athletics’ website, Ashlynn Shade has a twin brother, Jack Shade. There is no other information available on him. But what if we know, is that Ashlynn’s preparation started playing with her brother’s boys’ teams at Indiana Basketball Academy in second grade. In fact, it was their grandfather, Dave Shade, who trained youth players since Tom Abernethy opened IBA in 1996. However, she did walk away from the sport for a little while.
“I just remember it was a lot of sweaty boys.” Her response, as she was the only girl on her brother’s team. It was a year’s absence that meant she came back to the sport in fourth grade and joined an all-girls team.
What is Ashlynn Shade’s parents’ nationality?
As per reports, Matt and Kasey Shade are American nationals. Their daughter has represented the national team as well. The No. 5 recruit in the Class of 2023 was part of the 2023 USA Women’s Junior National Select Team. The Indiana native helped the USA take the 100-79 win in the inaugural women’s game at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit. Ashlynn Shade recorded 3 points and 1 rebound in nine minutes.
The sophomore has a long journey ahead of her, but she has already turned a lot of heads with her performance as a Husky. With Paige Bueckers moving to the WNBA, there is a spot up for grabs. And no doubt, Shade will compete for it at the highest order.
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