Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1107571
28 WAC Magazine | wac.net meet the athlete / exercise of the month living fit C O U R T E S Y A S H L E Y G R A H A M Meet the Athlete Ashley Graham By Mae Jacobson, Associate Editor When Pacific Northwest native Ashley Graham began playing basketball in fourth grade, she knew it was the sport for her. After graduating from Redmond High School, Ashley went on to play at Santa Clara University, where she was a three- time member of the West Coast Conference's All-Academic Team and the 16th player in school history to score over 1,000 points. After college, Ashley played five seasons of profession- al basketball overseas and returned to the States in 2015. She now plays for the WAC, coaches the varsity team at Red- mond High School, and runs Pinnacle Hoops International. Q. After college, you played professionally. Where? A. I played in Turkey, Belgium, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Romania. Overseas seasons are long—typically seven to eight months of twice-daily practices. It was a challenge. I loved the opportunity to live in five different countries and meet so many unique players. It was a truly incredible experience. Q. What is Pinnacle Hoops International? A. We're a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and women around the world through basketball. We run two free basketball camps in international communities per year. We visit places that may lack the infrastructure or equipment for players to compete at a high level. So far, we've been to Tibet, Nepal, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Exercise of the month Flat foot float WAC Personal Trainer Scott Spraggins demonstrates a flat foot float. This exercise improves your balance and strengthens your calves, glutes, hip flexors, abs, quads, and outer thighs. Stand with your left leg flat on the BOSU ball and your right leg planted behind you on the ground. Step your right leg upward and pause with bent knee, holding your balance on the BOSU ball. Release your right leg and plant it in front of the BOSU ball. Repeat, balancing on the opposite leg. Complete 10–20 repetitions. Increase the balance duration as you get stronger. Q. Do you have any advice for young aspiring athletes? A. Pursue something you love. Your love for the game will help you overcome any setbacks or obstacles you might face. Q. Is there anything else you'd like people to know? A. In 2012, I set the Guinness World Record for most free throws in one minute by a female! I made 40.