A basketball team, when it is moving right, is an exercise in harmony. It consists of five moving parts running and cutting up and down the court in unison. The main cog in that system is the team’s point guard, and for the 2013-14 California State University, Northridge women’s basketball team, that’s Ashlee Guay. In a great start for the upcoming season, Guay was named to the Big West preseason all-conference team.

“Being selected as preseason All-Big West is an honor,” Guay said. “It means I have to continually push myself and keep working hard, as well as do the best I can for my team.”

The Matador women’s team is looking to rise above its 16-16 record season last year and take the Big West title. For that to happen, Guay will have to continue the stellar work that started when she got to CSUN three years ago.

Since her Matador career began, Guay has been named to the 2012-13 All-Big West Second Team, took a 2011-12 All-Big West Honorable Mention and was part of the 2011-12 All-Big West Freshman team. For women’s basketball coach Jason Flowers, they are just rewards for what Guay brings to the team.

Ashlee Guay

“Ashlee is a great representative of our program on and off the court,” Flowers said. “I am happy that her hard work and sacrifices are being recognized by others. She is definitely one of the many stars on our campus that make CSUN shine.”

It’s that mix of hard work and sacrifice that make the San Diego-native a force to reckon with on the court.

Although the team’s goal is to win the Big West title and reach the NCAA tournament, Guay — a junior majoring in child development — understands that her time at CSUN won’t be a bust if that doesn’t happen. As far as she is concerned, simply being on and experiencing the campus makes her a winner.

“The biggest thing I have learned from coach Flowers is that it’s not just about basketball,” she said. “We are growing in college, which means making the right choices and defining who you are.

“I think the best thing about playing for the Matadors is the little community we create. Among all the athletes, we are like a little family. We all support one another and cheer each other on at games.”

It’s that kind of support — both giving and receiving — that has made Guay a perfect model for future leaders on the CSUN campus.

Featured, Women's basketball