Lady Lions Basketball: A busy off season for PSU’s Womens Hoops

Penn State head coach Carolyn Kieger calls out instructions during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game against Iowa, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.230114 Penn St Iowa Wbb 024 Jpg
Penn State head coach Carolyn Kieger calls out instructions during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game against Iowa, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.230114 Penn St Iowa Wbb 024 Jpg /
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Mar 12, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Ashley Owusu (15) shoots the ball while Northwestern Wildcats guard Sydney Wood (3) defends in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Ashley Owusu (15) shoots the ball while Northwestern Wildcats guard Sydney Wood (3) defends in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Ashley Owusu

Ashley Owusu, a highly touted player from Woodbridge, Va., made waves in high school with her exceptional skills. She played for Chantilly (Va.) Paul VI and quickly established herself as one of the top recruits in the country. Owusu was ranked as the No. 1 point guard and the No. 5 overall player in the Class of 2019. Her impressive accolades included being recognized as a McDonald’s All-American and the Gatorade Player of the Year for Virginia, making her one of the most highly sought-after recruits to join the Lady Lions.

Owusu began her college career at Maryland, where she spent the first three seasons. In 105 career games, with 77 starts, she showcased her versatility and skillset, averaging 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Her most successful season came in 2020-21, where she played a pivotal role in Maryland’s success. Owusu recorded impressive averages of 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, leading the team to a 26-3 record, a Big Ten Tournament victory, and an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance.

Owusu’s outstanding performance during the 2020-21 season earned her prestigious recognition, including winning the 2021 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award for the nation’s best shooting guard. She was also named an Associated Press Third-Team All-American and received All-American honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association. Additionally, Owusu was voted to the All-Big Ten first team that year.

After her successful tenure at Maryland, Owusu transferred to Virginia Tech for the 2021-22 season. However, due to injury, she appeared in just 17 games, with seven starts. Despite her limited playing time, she witnessed the Hokies’ remarkable season, as they finished 31-5 and advanced to the Final Four.

Now entering her fifth-year senior season in 2023-24, Owusu brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Penn State Lady Lions. Her proven track record and ability to contribute in various aspects of the game make her a valuable asset to the team. As Owusu prepares to don the Blue and White, fans eagerly anticipate her impact on the court and the leadership she will provide.