Ashleigh Vella, who has been a protagonist in the Malta women’s team in recent years is reported to be serving as a leader for the Bengals both on the court and off.
Despite her young age, Vella has shown leadership talents both on and off the court.
A report on the official website of the Idaho State Bengals, the team she is playing with, said that ‘even last season as a freshman she stood out as an influence on the team. This season she is tackling a position change and is playing her first season as a five player for Idaho State. The 6-1 Australian native welcomes the challenge and has performed well leading the Bengals in rebounds.
“As far as being a sophomore on the team, we don’t have a lot of returners and we have a lot of new freshmen. Leadership wise, I always try to make sure I am talking and helping the freshmen understand what’s going on. Being one of the only forwards/centres on the court, it is important for me to talk and be a communicator,” said Vella of her leadership role.
Luckily for the Bengal, she had a strong mentor in her first season at Idaho State. Vella was able to learn the ins-and-outs of the five position by playing with two time big sky all-tournament team selection and first team all-conference forward Oana Iacovita.
“Learning from Oana last year was probably one of the best learning experiences I could have,” said Vella. “She’s one of the best five players I’ve ever played with and just learning from her and how she did things was a really good help for this year.”
Even with a hectic schedule of five games in eight days, Vella is focused on the court from shoot around to game time. She still manages to sit back and enjoy the extended time with her teammates.
“It’s always exciting to travel with the team. We all get on so well. From a social aspect it’s always fun to go with the girls,” said Vella. “Talking with some of the returners from last year we’d say, ‘hey, do you remember what happened last year or on this trip.’ You have so many memories and fun times off the court.”