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by Ryan Brown, Athletics Communications Student Assistant
Ashley Spaletta has established herself as an outside threat to UTSA’s opponents after hitting six treys against UNLV and four in the Roadrunners’ win over Detroit in late November. Spaletta took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for UTSA Athletics.
You were raised in Magnolia, Ark. Where is that?
"It's in the southern part of Arkansas and is very close to Louisiana. It's pretty far from San Antonio. Magnolia is not very big with maybe 10,000 people. I was born and raised there and I’ve lived there all my life. I’m a true southern girl."
So your town is one-third the size of UTSA’s campus population?
"Oh yeah (laughs). We have a junior college there and this campus seems like it’s 10 times bigger than that."
How did you initially get hooked on basketball?
"I grew up around basketball with my dad being a coach. I’ve just been playing it my whole life and really enjoyed playing in high school and now here at UTSA."
Tell us a little about how you ended up at UTSA.
"Honestly, I came for a visit and simply loved it. That was pretty much it. I truly liked it here."
What was so special on that visit?
"I liked San Antonio and being away from home. I also liked the campus and the coaching staff is great, too."
Can you talk about the transition from playing at a small high school to Division I basketball?
"It's very up-tempo and very different. In college it's a fast-paced game and you have to quickly learn to pick it up and adapt."
How difficult is it to balance school, basketball and life?
"At first it was very hard, but now it has gotten easier. I have better time management and the flow of daily activities has gotten better, as well."
You had a couple of road games so far this season. How were those games and what experiences did you gain from them?
"It was very fun and educational as far as basketball goes. We just got back from Las Vegas. Even though we lost, we played really well and had fun on the trip both on the court and off. It was exciting to stay there and experience a road trip in a place like that."
When basketball practice is over, what things do you like to do to relax?
"I like swimming, but lately it's been pretty cold outside. I’d say watching movies is the main thing I do to relax away from the court."
What are some goals you have this year both on and off the court?
"I told myself that I was going to come to college and just be me. I want to fill my role as a player on the court as well as a student off the court."
What are you majoring in?
"Right now, I’m checking a few things out and weighing my options. I had considered broadcasting or communications, but now I'm leaning towards child development or criminal justice. I'm taking my basics now until I decide."
What's special about this team compared to others you’ve been on?
"I think the bond we have. I've really become close with everyone, especially my roommates. We're all good with one another and we have great chemistry."