Arlington School District

For Immediate Release

 

 

Date: November 14, 2007

Contact:  Melissa Smith, Community Relations

802.375.2589, ext. 147 ~ smithme@bvsu.org (w)

802.375.6070 ~ smith209bh@verizon.net (h)

 

 

 

Arlington’s Ashley Hoyt to Play Division I Ball

 

Arlington, Vt.—Basketball phenom Ashley Hoyt will trade in her eagle wings for catamount claws starting next fall when she joins the University of Vermont’s Division I women’s basketball team.  The Arlington Memorial High School (AMHS) senior has officially signed a letter of intent to play for UVM beginning next season.

A 6’ guard, Hoyt has been playing basketball since she transferred to the Arlington School District in the fourth grade and joined the Athletic Amateur Union (AAU) basketball league where she competed in tournaments around the country for eight years.  When the high school basketball season gets underway in a few weeks, Hoyt will begin her fourth year as a varsity player for the Arlington Eagles, something she is eagerly anticipating.  “It’s awesome playing for Arlington, because sports are intense here.  I know the pressure to do well will be greater at the college level, but I like the pressure.”

A Division III athlete to be recruited by a Division I school is an impressive feat, but Arlington’s Athletic Director Todd Ordway was not surprised by UVM’s decision.  “Ashley’s a very dedicated and talented player.  She would be on the court 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if she could.  She’s hard working, and playing for UVM has been a goal of hers for a long time.  This is a dream come true for her.”

Hoyt acknowledges the dream aspect of her future.  “I am a big fan of UVM sports.  Ever since I was in the eighth grade, I’ve been talking about playing basketball for them.”  Although UVM was Hoyt’s first choice, it wasn’t her only choice.  “Since my junior year when it became ‘legal’ for scouts to speak with me, I’ve had over 50 Division I and II schools contact me.  I visited about five campuses, but it’s always been UVM for me.  I wanted to stay in state and have my family come to my games.  The support of my family is very important to me.”

In addition to her family, Hoyt credits her long-time AAU Coach and AMHS Principal Kerry Csizmesia with her success.  “Mr. C. expected a lot from me in basketball.  He pushed me to succeed, and I have so much respect for him.  He’s like a second father to me.”  For his part, Csizmesia believes Hoyt is an exceptionally talented ball player.  “Ashley has worked endless hours on her game to reach this level of play.  I couldn’t be happier for her.  Playing for a Division I team is an honor that Ashley well deserves.”

Hoyt will be back in action with the rest of the Arlington Lady Eagles when they begin their season with a home opener Monday, December 3, at 7:30 p.m. against Otter Valley.  For more information about Arlington athletics, contact Ordway at ordwayt@bvsu.org or 375.2589, extension 137.  You can visit the AMHS website at www.arlingtonmemorialhs.bvsu.org.  The Arlington School District mission is to create a safe, caring and respectful environment of academic excellence where students are uniquely challenged to reach their potential at the K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 levels.

 

 

Photo Caption:  As Hoyt signs her letter of intent to play for UVM, AMHS officials and family gather around.  Shown here from left to right are AMHS Principal Kerry Csizmesia, father Wayne Hoyt, grandfather Gene Hoyt, AMHS Athletic Director Todd Ordway and AMHS Girls Basketball Coach Jeff Corey.