Q&A with Walden Grove alum Ashton Romney: The future of basketball is here
SAHUARITA, Ariz. — A Q&A with Walden Grove alum and Palm Beach State basketball player Ashton Romney.
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?聽
Ashton Romney: For me, I鈥檝e always taken my goals one step at a time. From wanting to make my first travel club team, to playing varsity basketball, and now I鈥檓 playing college ball鈥hich is still so surreal to me. The next goal on my mind is to play professionally.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Romney: I would say my biggest challenge would be staying focused on my goals and not letting other people鈥檚 negative opinions affect me. It can get hard, but I keep a good support group around me between my family and my friends, so they help to keep me motivated.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Romney: My parents always told me that if I wanted to achieve something then I could do it, and that鈥檚 been my motto since then. Knowing I can accomplish anything I want; I just have to put my mind to it and work hard until it happens.
What do you love about your sport?
Romney: I love absolutely everything about the game of basketball. From the moment I picked up a ball, I just fell in love with it and where it has taken me in life, so I don’t think I could just pick one specific thing.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Romney: I actually do have a very specific pregame ritual that I follow. I would get taped about an hour before the game while listening to calm music, such as Rod Wave and Bryson Tiller. Once I get taped, I eat a banana and a rice Krispy treat and have my dad who is a Chiropractor adjust my wrists and back. I then switch to quicker music such as Lil Baby and Drake, stretch, then I鈥檓 ready to go. Right before I play, I always do a special handshake with my mom for good luck.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Romney: Outside of hoops, I like to hang out with my friends or stay in and play video games.
What has being a member of a team taught you?聽
Romney: Being a member of a team has really helped me grow as a person, learning how to play with others and has given me brothers off the court.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Romney: The best advice I have ever been given was actually recently by my college coach when he said, 鈥淵ou can lose a lot of things, but never lose your confidence.鈥�
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Romney: A certain mistake I made was not taking advantage of the moment I was in. I was always so focused on my future, that I didn鈥檛 really get to live in the moment. Now, I realize all those times traveling for club, or being on the court with my guys, were some of the best times of my career.
Anything else you鈥檇 like to add?
Romney: I鈥檇 like to thank all of the people who have been a part of my journey. I have had so many amazing coaches and trainers that have helped to develop my skills over the years, and I am so grateful for them. To all the people who have come out to watch me play, family and friends, thank you for your support. And especially to my mom, dad and sister, thank you for driving me to all my practices, training, and games; many that were out of state. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream. I really feel so blessed to have had such an amazing support system 鈥� I would not be where I am today without all of these people in my life.
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