On Monday (Feb. 17) afternoon, the No. 8-ranked Ashland University women's basketball team signed a late-season acquisition for the 2024-25 home stretch – Laylah Gonzalez from Team IMPACT.
 
Gonzalez, 12, donned her No. 21 jersey during a press conference in the Rinehart Room, then signed her National Letter of Intent.
 
"We are excited to officially make it official with signing day," said Ashland head coach Kari Pickens, who said Gonzalez has been with the team for the last few months. Pickens said Gonzalez is a great teammate, comes from a great family, and her x-factor is that she loves basketball.
 
Gonzalez was on hand with her family, prior to women's basketball practice. She is the first Team IMPACT player for Ashland women's basketball.
 
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.
 
The AU women (24-3 overall, 16-1 Great Midwest) will play host to Cedarville (11-13, 7-9) on Thursday (Feb. 20) at 5:30 p.m. at the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium. They have the longest current home winning streak (25 games) in NCAA Division II women's basketball, and the fourth-longest overall winning streak in the country (18 games).