Andi Daugherty signs with Ashland
WARSAW – Ashland University may have lost one Daugherty to graduation, but they will soon gain another one.
River View High School senior Andi Daugherty decided to follow in her sister Kari’s footsteps and play basketball at Ashland University.
“I’m relieved that I don’t have to worry about this anymore,” said Andi. “In the beginning, it was tough deciding where I wanted to go, but the more I talked to my parents and older sister, it became obvious that this is where I wanted to go.”
She signed her letter of intent for Ashland, Nov. 13 in River View High School’s library.
“I like the location of the school,” Andi said. “It’s close to home and smaller so I won’t feel overwhelmed on campus. It’s also religions and has opportunities for me to grow in my faith.”
She plans to major in dietetics and hopefully contribute right away to a program that knows what it’s like to win. Ashland finished the 2012-13 season with a 37-1 record and won the NCAA Division II National Championship. They also were runners-up the year before.
“There are five freshmen coming in so we will just have to see who is ready to play,” Andi said.
She will most likely get to play some guard and forward just like she has throughout her high school career.
“She has done a little of everything for us,” said Kevin Smith, who coaches Andi at River View. “She’s handled the ball and she’s played inside.”
In addition to getting a versatile player, Smith said Ashland also is getting an athlete who is a great person.
“She is a team player and has tremendous work ethic,” he said. “She gives 110 percent at everything she does and has a great attitude. She also is one of the most coach-able kids I’ve been associated with.”
Smith was excited to watch Andi sign her letter of intent.
“I’ve coached her for four years and watched her grow and develop,” he said. “It’s nice to see her dream come true.”
Andi is greatly appreciative of everyone who helped make this dream a reality.
“I want to thank my parents, my family, my head coach and the fans for their support,” she said. “It’s been fun to play in an atmosphere where the fans get involved and cheer you on and support you.”
Andi is the daughter of Bill and Caroline Daugherty, who both played basketball in college. Andi’s other sister Kristin also played college basketball at the University of Dayton.
“I’ve been around basketball at River View since I was a little girl,” Andi said. “I love the energy on the floor when you play and the fact that I don’t have to think. It just comes natural to me.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: High School, Sports
