CHARLOTTETOWN – Ashley Plaggenhoef will begin her college basketball career on P.E.I.
Plaggenhoef, who is from Stratford, will be wearing the maroon and black this fall as a member of the Holland Hurricanes.
“The Holland College sport and leisure management program provides me a pathway to study kinesiology,” Plaggenhoef shared. “While studying science I am also able to play basketball, which is why I decided to enroll at Holland College.”
Plaggenhoef is coming off a P.E.I. School Athletic Association (PEISAA) provincial championship with the Charlottetown Rural Raiders, where she was the team captain. This was the third straight championship for the Raiders. Plaggenhoef was named an all-star last season, and the most valuable player the year prior.
In 2017, Plaggenhoef was a member of the P.E.I. Canada Games team while also representing the province in 2016 (under-17), 2015 and 2014 (both under-15).
“Ashley has proven to be a strong defender who reads the play very well,” said Hurricanes head coach Jared Cheverie. “Her vision and ability to move the ball and find open teammates comes naturally to her; she will fit in very well with our team-oriented system of play.”
During her three seasons as a member of Charlottetown Rural, head coach Peter Lawlor has watched her develop her game to the next level.
“Ashley has been a pleasure to coach,” said Lawlor. “She is dedicated, hard working, talented, skilled, extremely athletic and she will contribute at the collegiate level. More importantly, Ashley is a great person, a strong student and a fantastic teammate. The Hurricanes are lucky to have her.”
The Hurricanes, coming off a semifinal loss at the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) championships in Truro, N.S., are ready to retool under Cheverie’s guidance as he enters his second season as head coach.
“Ashley is a strong shooter and has the drive and dedication to improve,” said Cheverie. “She has the potential to develop into a great shooter and a very strong guard in the ACAA.
“She is also a strong student, possesses incredible character and has shown to be a great teammate, which are qualities that we see as the foundation of our program.”
When asked to describe her game on the court, Plaggenhoef described herself like this: “I am a strong three-point shooter and a good defender. I feel I am a team player, and look forward to joining my teammates to battle for the ACAA championship.”
Last season, the Hurricanes’ roster included four Islanders led by Lexi MacInnis, who was named the ACAA rookie of the year. Plaggenhoef is excited to join her fellow Islanders, and play in her home province.
“I look forward to playing for Holland College, so I can make my hometown proud, and play in front of my friends and family,” added Plaggenhoef.
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