Gayle loving life in Christchurch
Basketball has taken her around the globe, but Canterbury Wildcats centre Ashley Gayle is pleased to call Christchurch home.
The American import has made a huge impact on the Wildcats since joining last season. She has no plans to leave town soon, as the defending champions have lost just one game from eight this season.
Originally from party central, Las Vegas, Gayle must have wondered when she arrived what she was doing in a sleepy city, but said it suits her and fiance Stephen.
‘‘I think it’s really cool to see a city coming back to life. I didn’t really know Christchurch before the earthquakes, but it is a lot different watching a documentary about the damage to being in the city and talking to people and hearing their different stories about how life has changed since.’’
The 1.93m centre played professionally in Bulgaria, Australia, Las Vegas and Seattle before Canterbury Rams coach Mark Dickel and Alloyfold chief executive Murray Kennedy, chief sponsor, noted her skill while playing in Las Vegas.
The 27-year-old said her move to New Zealand was perfect timing as she had considered moving to Australia. She liked the community feel, not only of the city, but of the Wildcats as she had been able to get involved in coaching Christchurch children.
Coaching is something Gayle has always had a hand in, but has stepped up a notch in Christchurch. It has given her the desire to continue that part of the game.
She coaches the St Margaret’s senior A side and often visits schools to introduce juniors to the game.
‘‘I like it a lot. It’s really good basketball over here and a good community. It’s good to see some exciting players coming up.’’
The Wildcats have started their season unscathed, apart from a giant upset to the Harbour Breeze, who are midway up the table.
‘‘I think the loss came at the best time for us, it has put a bit of fire back in us and shows we have to adjust.’’
The Wildcats play the Taranaki Thunder in a double-header with the Rams at Cowles Stadium on Saturday (4.45pm start).
Gayle expects Taranaki to come out with a fast and aggressive game.
‘‘We will have to step up our game. We will need energy and enthusiasm as last week this is something we lacked.’’
The Wildcats are without key players Sapphire Wairau, Amiee Book, Lauryn Hippolite, Esra McGoldrick (Junior Tall Fern), Charlotte Whittaker (Junior Tall Fern) - all on under-19 national duty.
Canterbury welcome back 2016 guard Tessa Morrison, who recently returned from her freshmen year at Southern New Hampshire University and also forward Terai Sadler, a former Thunder player herself.