My name is Ashley Brown and I have been an adopted citizen of Austin since I was 6 years old. I’m a country kid from the Delta of Mississippi chasing city dreams – I’m a Texissippian. Even though I’ve been here almost 3 decades I still miss the slow pace and deep cotton fields of Mississippi. One day I hope to be able to go back and pour into my hometown to help them grow in different ways. Until then, I am helping the youth in the Austin area grow on the basketball court–teaching life skills through basketball. I love this game and it has been there for me for as long as I could remember. Something like an anytime paradise. Nothing sounds better to me than an empty basketball court – except maybe an empty basketball court in the middle of a hiking trail with great views.
After I graduated High School, I tried to chase the ball onto the college court at Blinn but it didn’t turn out to be the journey I would walk. I didn’t want to be a professional player because I felt that, even then, the Women’s side didn’t make that much money (Yes, I love the game and wanted to be play but it didn’t seem worth it being a pro with no pro funds.) In May of 2010 I ended up leaving home for the Army and my very first orders were for South Korea. I did get to play for the Army Area IV Women’s team. I had so much fun, after my initial heart drop of course, and learned just as much. It’s definitely on my destination-to-go list.
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Toward the end of my Soldiering time is when I decided to take on the ultimate mission of being a mom. I’ve always wanted to be a mom for as long as I could remember. I wanted to be like my mom. I took the non-traditional route because cupid did not–and has not–get it right with me and time waits for no one. So here I am, nine years later wishing I had control of the clock’s hands so I could keep him as my little boy a little longer. I hand-picked him and that’s what makes our bond a little more special.
If I’m not in the gym coaching and mentoring kids, or in the arcades with my kiddo & crew, I am on the hiking trails trying to find the quiet within the storm that is growing Austin. I also like to catch up on the latest food spots to grab a tasty bite.
