Ashley Bates, senior, is a pivotal member of the Hopkins Royals girls basketball team.

She started playing basketball in third grade and has been improving her game ever since. Her basketball role model is her uncle, Dante. Dante passed away, but his teachings have stayed with her.

Bates is a part of a basketball family that inspired her to continue playing through high school and into the collegiate level. Earlier this school year, Bates decided to take her talent to the next level, when she committed to Hampton University in Virginia.

Bates and the rest of the Royals team are the defending state champions and take the sport very seriously. Their training includes weightlifting, vertimax, and practice almost every day.

Her biggest supporter is her Mom who “makes it all happen,” according to Bates. Bates has a tremendous love for the game that has been evident since her young years of playing.

The Royals next game is Friday, Feb. 19, when they will travel to Eden Prairie to face the Eagles in the EPHS gym at 7 pm.