UCLA transfer hopes to light it up for Buckeyes
Trebilcock saw her share of Hollywood glitz.
News photo by Mark Zibrik
Ashlee Trebilcock has been an integral part of UnderTheRim's 4-1 start in the Worthington Women's Summer Basketball League.
By MARK ZIBRIK
Having her name in lights high atop center court of Value City Arena may not have the same effect on Ashlee Trebilcock as it would any other fresh-faced member of the Ohio State University women's basketball team.
For most newcomers to the Buckeye hoops squad, that much attention could give the most level-headed person a case of the shivers.
However, this phenomenon will be nothing out of the ordinary for the 5-foot, 9-inch guard, who sat out last year after transferring from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Trebilcock has had plenty of experience with fame, considering her time away from the hardwood.
From the ages of 4 through 10, Trebilcock, going by the name of Ashlee Lauren, was more silver screen star than hardwood heroine, appearing in several commercials, television shows and movies.
"I'm just super excited to get back on the basketball court," said Trebilcock, who plays for UnderTheRim in the Worthington Women's Summer Basketball League. "I had a pretty good time doing all those things."
The Boise, Idaho, native, who moved to the Los Angeles area when she was 3 after being spotted by a talent agency, has shared the same stage with a diverse group of entertainers.
Among those luminaries are Robin Williams, Bill Cosby and Jennifer Lopez in the Francis Ford Coppola-directed vehicle Jack.
Trebilcock also appeared alongside George Clooney in the hit television series ER, as well as Jennifer Love Hewitt in McKenna.
She has also been on the other end of the spectrum, sharing screen time with the likes of Dustin Diamond in the television movie Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style.
Her last body of work was appearing as Marissa in an episode of a TV series featuring Corbin Bernsen called The Cape in 1996.
With her Hollywood career in the past, Trebilcock said she's thankful for being blessed with the opportunity.
"It definitely helped me growing up," she said. "I had to be around adults my whole childhood. It helped me deal with being under pressure and dealing with coaches."
As a prep star, Trebilcock was a Parade All-American. At Hart High School in Newhall, Calif., she established several school records, including points (2,383), rebounds (575), assists (469) and steals (361).
For her efforts, she was tabbed first-team all-state twice, as well as earning the LA Daily News player of the year honor three years (2003-05).
During her brief stint at UCLA, Trebilcock played in just four games for the Bruins, averaging three points as a freshman during the 2004-05 season
While her career as a Bruin never materialized, Trebilcock eagerly anticipates renewed life as a Buckeye.
"I committed super early, because it was close to home," Trebilcock said. "I realized the style of play, the team, the program just wasn't for me. I got up and left."
Looking for a fresh start, Trebilcock sought direction from various sources as to where she should continue her college career.
"After I decided to transfer, I talked to people who knew what was going on," said Trebilcock, who listed Oklahoma and Connecticut as other possible choices. "I asked what system I would play in with a good coach and program. Ohio State had the total package."
"She has a lot of skills," Buckeyes coach Jim Foster said. "She can score off the dribble and has good offensive instincts."
While Columbus doesn't possess the glitz and glam of LA, Trebilcock admitted to succumbing to homesickness during her initial move, before adapted to her new Midwest surroundings.
"When I moved here, it was January and it was freezing," she said. "I'm not used to winter, so it was hard to adjust to that.
"It was hard, because it was the middle of winter and I wouldn't see my family for months, but the girls quickly took me under their wing."
Among the other highlights luring her away from sun-drenched Southern California was the possibility of playing for an NCAA title.
"We're trying to do really big things with the Final Four in Cleveland," she said. "It's a good goal to shoot for to play in front of our fans."
Because of the time frame of her transfer and NCAA rules, Trebilcock won't be available for the Buckeyes until mid-December.
For now, she said, she's simply hoping to have fun and keep fit, all while registering some wins for UnderTheRim, which next will play at 8 p.m. Thursday against Zappitelli Financial.
"It's been really hard to sit and go through practices," Trebilcock said. "I'm a gamer and that's what you live for. I haven't played in a game in a while, so it's good to play out there and get in the flow of the game. Plus, I get to play with some teammates."
Other Thursday league games at Ohio Sports Plus include:
7 p.m. -- Pengwyn vs. Alan E. Moore, All State-Geyer vs. HER-Cooper, Shade on the Canal vs. 7UP.
8 p.m. -- Cliff Lanthorn vs. HER-The Henry Team, All State-Dinsmore vs. Global Distribution
9 p.m. -- The Title Co. vs. John Roesch Co.
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