Ashley Berkheimer chooses Trinity for her next destination

June 12, 2023

Ashley Berkheimer chooses Trinity for her next destination

Name: Ashley Berkheimer

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Height: 5-8

Position: Shooting Guard

High School: Trinity (PA)

Graduation Class: 2026

AAU Club: Central PA Elite

GPA: 3.7

Status: Uncommitted

CAMP HILL, PA -- Ashley Berkheimer is a 5-8 Shooting Guard from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She’s a rising sophomore at Trinity High School, and runs with Central PA Elite on the Nike TOC circuit. Berkheimer recently transferred to Trinity after spending her freshman year at Cumberland Valley.

I have built together a well rounded 2026 group throughout the past year. Emma Kostelac-Lauer, Alaina Sweet, Zaelinh Moore-Nguyen, and Alaina Dadzie to name a few. The future is very important on my behalf, but you could say that Berkheimer completes the stones in putting the pieces together.

Berkheimer is an intriguing 2-Guard who has the ceiling to be a very good college prospect. She's reliable off the catch-and-shoot, can create for herself off the dribble, and has taken the initiative of becoming a better all around defender throughout her first year. But, one of the bright spots of Berkheimer's game is how hard she works. I know that can sound a bit cliche and overused, but her approach to the game is worth mentioning. Whether it's how many workouts she does a day, getting the most out of her experience at different showcases, or her support system keeping life in perspective for her, Berkheimer is setting herself up nicely these next three years.

I caught up with the 2026 prospect on her transfer to Trinity, life growing up in Mechanicsburg and preparation heading into year two.

Ashley Berkheimer Interview

When did you first start playing basketball?

"I started to show interest in basketball when I was 7. The CV program did not offer a league that young, so I played in the Mechanicsburg league until I was able to play for the CV wreck league when I was in third grade. I wanted to play at a more competitive level, so that is when we created the first fourth grade girls travel team at CV."

Describe your game from the skill standpoint.

"I am a combo guard who is a fierce defender with a quick handle, and a knockdown three point shot. My court sense provides me with the ability to distribute the ball to my teammates, so they can also be a scoring threat as well."

How was life growing up in Mechanicsburg?

"Life in Mechanicsburg is great. I’m always able to see my family, and spend time with them. Whether it is by sports, sitting by the pool, or out at my grandparents farm. I have so many friends who are a huge part of my life, and have helped me grow as a person. In Mechanicsburg, everybody knows everybody, so it truly is amazing for the social aspect. Mechanicsburg will always and forever be my home!"

How was your freshman season at CV?

"I thought my freshman season was overall pretty decent. Everyone on the team got along, and the memories I have that I will cherish forever. I believe that I grew as a player. More importantly as a person especially since I had gone through a lot of adversity being a freshman on varsity, then ultimately starting."

You’ve recently made the choice to head to the other side of town to Trinity. For the ones that have been curious, or didn’t know about the move, what was the ultimate decision to join the Shamrocks?

"My decision did not have anything to do with basketball as the academic scene set the stage for me. Having a smaller environment will definitely allow me to succeed socially and academically. I feel as though my beliefs, and future goals align with what Trinity has to offer."

You’re still at a very early stage of your career. What kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

"When I’m not with family, I am in the gym training. As I work on my strengths, I also like to focus on my weaknesses. All of my trainers have helped me develop as a player and a person. Shawn Lew Jr, Shawn Lewis, and Bryan Majors play a huge role in why I am the player I am today. When I train I love to think of it as a game. I believe that the way you practice is the way you are going to play in a game. For example, when I train with Shawn Lew Jr, I will have to run from half court to the corner for a shot. When I get in the game it all comes natural to me since it's repetition. Giving a 150% will take you pretty far."

Who is your favorite player and why?

"Definitely Michael Jordan because he was the most dominant defensive player, and had a drive to want to get to the hoop. He had the mentality of a lion guiding him to be the best basketball player of all time!"

Who would you consider your role models?

"I would have to say my mom and dad because they are always pushing me to do my best and work for everything I want. They provide my siblings, and I with a great family unit. Making sure we have everything we need. No matter what I will always know that they love me, and forever have my back. Both of my siblings, Ava and Noah, are also my biggest role models. They have stuck by my side through it all. No matter how much we fight in the end, I know they care and love for me just as I do them."

What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?

"I believe the greatest challenges players are facing today is finding the right program to fit their style of play. In order to showcase themselves, and adjusting from high school ball to AAU ball as the play and speed of the game is completely different. In addition, when it comes to recruitment, the transfer portal policies currently in place pose an uphill battle for a lot of high school athletes. The experience that college players have entering the portal a lot of times outweighs the talent coming out of high school."

As you’re now at the age where you’re starting to look for college opportunities, what do you ideally look for in a college?

"I am definitely more of a home body so a school closer to home would fit me best. As I am an athlete, I am also a student as well so with that being said, I do take pride in my academics. A strong academic school which I can graduate from, and pursue my job afterward would really be a good setting for me."

What are your expectations heading into sophomore year?

"Coming into my sophomore year I want to set a good example, and develop myself as a leader on the team. My team’s expectations are to win the conference, districts and a state championship."

Thank you Ashley for taking the time to talk with me. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation? Any last words?

"To all of the young ones out there and the older ones too, always and I mean always trust the process. Even when times get rough trust the process. Sometimes road blocks are put up in front of you for a reason, but you just have to preserve, take the adversity and use it as motivation to make you stronger. Thank you RPN Factory for this opportunity to get my name out there!"