“As a female athlete people are doubting your success and the competition involved in women’s sports” – Ashleigh LaBlance

Ashleigh LaBlance is an OCAA basketball player for the provincial champion Fanshawe College Falcons.

Here is what LaBlance had to say for International Women’s Day:

“As a female athlete people are doubting your success and the competition involved in woman’s sports. At first it’s difficult but rather than let it tear you down like they want, I would use that doubt as motivation to be the best version of me I could possibly be. I learned to block out the noise and use it to my advantage. Before every basketball game whether my dad was able to attend or not he always would make sure to get a hold of me in some way and always tell me to go out there and have fun, because when I have fun that’s when I play my best. I was constantly surrounded by an environment where my game was not only able to grow but my success along the way was encouraged and celebrated. I grew up around amazing teammates and coaches where I learned valuable life lessons along the way. This is why I can honestly say basketball has shaped me into the young woman I am today. If I could give any advice to young girls out there it would be to just go out there have fun, and enjoy life, cause when you do you’re unlocking your potential to be the best you possible.”