Former GFW standout set to play at Hamline

By JEREMY BEHNKE

Journal Sports Writer

ST. PAUL -- The Hamline University women's basketball team has seen its share of struggles over the last few years.

The program has had only two winning seasons since 1985-86, the last being the 96-97 campaign.

But the university hopes to turn that image around with the help of a couple of Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop graduates.

On Tuesday, the Pipers announced the signing of GFW's Ashley Busch, the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,090 points.

She joins former GFW and Gustavus Adolphus standout Melissa Young-Kruse, the only other member of the 1,000 point scoring club at GFW, who will take over the head coaching position.

"I am extremely excited to get a fellow GFW graduate on the team here at Hamline," Young-Kruse said. "Ashley brings a lot of strength, athleticism and character into the Piper family. We hope to see lots of fans traveling up to St. Paul for the games."

Busch said she figures to play in the three-spot for the Pipers. She is excited to be a part of the rebuilding process for the next four years and said the Pipers have fared well in the summer leagues thus far.

"I'm really excited," Busch said. "The girls are a lot of fun. Just playing in the summer league -- from high school to college is a higher level of intensity."

Busch said that the fact Young-Busse is a fellow alum made a difference on where she decided to play. Young-Busse was an assistant coach at Winona State when the two first met.

"Mrs. [GFW girls coach Rebecca] Busse helped me get my foot in the door," Busch said. "She came to one of my games and I met her for the first time. I have heard a lot about her from my home town."

Among the many honors Busch has won include All-State Honorable Mention, All-Area, and All-Conference in the Tomahawk Conference. She was named to the All-Journal squad twice, and was a KEYC Prep Athlete of the Week.

The three-sport star also competed in volleyball and track and field for the Thunderbirds.