Coming outta Los Angeles via Flintridge Prep, Cambodian American hoopster Ashley Chea brings infectious energy to the court wherever she goes. Since we left her story in the doc Home Court, Ashley’s been navigating the challenges of student-athlete life now as a college student at Princeton University in New Jersey (where her team made the NCAA tournament this year). Ashley’s story is one of resilience and growth. In this quick ‘n’ candid Q&A, she opens up about her experiences adjusting to college life, celebrating wins on and off the court, and building meaningful connections with her teammates. Oh, and her love of frozen desserts.
Are you more confident as a player now than when you first came into college hoops? And if so, how did you get there?
Ashley Chea: Yes! I feel like I’m a more confident player than I was when I got here. Basketball has always been fun for me, but my biggest challenge was seeing how I could fit into the system here.
Fortunately, the coaching staff and I have worked together every day to make sure I understand the values that Princeton Basketball follows. They instill a lot of confidence in me and so do my teammates. They are the most patient group of girls that I have ever played with, so it made my transition into this year very easy.
“The quality of people is what makes you the way you are.”
Any advice for other young women coming from multicultural backgrounds in high school, on how to adjust to college?
Ashley: Find your people.
The quality of people is what makes you the way you are. They are the ones that will support you through and through, especially when you feel like you are far from your loved ones. I am so incredibly lucky to have met the people I know, and I am excited for the ones to come.
What do you wish you knew then that you know now?
Ashley: To always make people feel heard and seen, and remembered.
How do you bond with new teammates?
Ashley: With new teammates, I honestly am just myself and joke around with them. They always have something to add so it is easy to talk with them. I also love froyo and ice cream so if I want to spend more time with them to get to know them better, I ask them to get a sweet treat.
what kinds of foods, cultural favorites, etc. do you introduce TEAMMATES in NEW JERSEY to that reminds you of home? What do you miss most about L.A. when you’re at school?
Ashley: There isn’t a Yogurtland near Princeton, but in L.A. there is one on nearly every other block. I talk about it all the time, so [teammates] have high expectations for it whenever we get the chance to go together.
What do you do to celebrate after a great game? What do you do to feel better after what felt like a bad game?
Ashley: After a big game, my friends and I usually go and get ice cream and hang out the rest of the night. There’s just something about sharing a moment like this with them that makes us closer. It’s the same when it is a bad game; I try not to think too much about it after a few hours, or else I will get too upset.
What are all the different ways people remember how to pronounce (or mispronounce) your last name?
Ashley:
-Chia Seeds
-Chia Pet
-Chey-uh
What’s your go-to emoji? 🤔
Ashley: The laughing crying emoji [😂].
Go-to karaoke song?
Ashley: “You Belong With Me,” Taylor Swift.
