Murray State University Athletics
Hayes Invited to Participate in Connecticut Sun Training Camp
4/10/2009 7:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
For the first time a Murray State women's basketball player has been invited to participate in a training camp for a WNBA team, as senior Ashley Hayes will be heading to Uncasville, Conn., to attend the Connecticut Sun training camp.
“I feel like everything happens for a reason so even though I wasn't drafted I feel blessed to still have an opportunity to prove that I can play in the WNBA,” said Hayes. “I did what I needed to do in high school to get to college and in college to get to the next level so now I just have to keep working hard.”
The Humboldt, Tenn., native will be heading to the camp that begins May 17 to compete for one of 11 roster spots. Hayes earned back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors after leading the Racers, the OVC, and finishing seventh in the nation with 22.6 points per game. Hayes finished her four years at Murray State as the second-highest scorer, with 2,007 points, and led the team to three-straight post-season appearances.
“I am excited for Ashley's future in the WNBA,” said head coach Rob Cross. “With the effort and work ethic that she has shown at Murray State she is definitely deserving of a chance to play in the WNBA. This should show that with hard work and determination it is possible to make it to the highest level in women's basketball by being a Murray State Racer.”
The 2009 State Farm Coaches' All-American Regional Finalist also ranks in the top-10 on the Racer career charts in 10 other categories, including third in rebounds (935), third in free-throw percentage (83.6), and second in field goals (809). During her tenure Murray State compiled a 79-44 overall record after finishing the 2004-05 campaign 9-19.
“There are not enough words to express how much I appreciate the support that I received not only from Coach Cross and the entire athletic department, but from the Murray community as well," Hayes added. "Coach Cross has done so much to support everyone on the team, as well as myself, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to come and be a part of the Racer family.”
