Ashley Beatty
Ashley Beatty
Poster in Ashley's memory
Ashley Beatty (1996-June 16, 2017) was a student athlete at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma who played for the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles women's basketball team. Ashley Beatty was known by friends a beautiful and loving person who was a talented basketball player who many in the Native American community looked up to.
Personal Life
Photo of Ashley and her mother
Photo of Ashley with her sisters
Ashley Beatty grew up in a family that was passionate about basketball and faith. Her mother Michelle played NAIA basketball and her father George was played for Oklahoma City University under legendary coach Abe Lemons. The second youngest of four children, Ashley grew up watching tapes of “Pistol”Pete Maravich with her father and older sisters growing up. Both of her older sisters play basketball. Oldest sister Ryan played Junior College ball in Altus, Oklahoma. Lakota, who is still in college, begin her athletic career at Oklahoma State before transferring to Oral Roberts in 2015 to play with her sister. “Both my parents come to all my games and I really want to make them proud,” said Beatty.
Ashley's cousin Angelica Mora said “Ashley knows her faith and what she can accomplish.
Her determination and persistence is powerful on the court.
Seeing native leaders like her maintaining a positive attitude and making the decision to attend college is something the rest of our young Native youth need to see more.
Twenty-five percent of the Native American population are under twenty-five years old.
It’s up to young people like Ashley to make moves to help inspire our youth to be successful.”
Education
Photo of Ashley at her graduation
Ashley Beatty was a sophmore at Oral Roberts University and went to high school at Anadarko High School. Ashley planned to travel and speak about the problems Native Americans are facing on reservations.
“My dream job would be to travel around the U.S. and speak about Native American reservations and the problems they are facing,” she said.
“I think the more people hear about the stories of reservations that would push them to help.
I know there are a lot of other Native kids that are in college right now that want to and are working toward the same goal I am.”
Sports
Express Girls Basketball Player of the Day - Ashley Beatty (Anadarko) - 2015 Recruit
Ashley Beatty started 20 games as a sophomore for ORU and played in 28. She averaged 4.7 points. For her career, she averaged 5.1 points in 57 games.
She averaged 5.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game during her freshman season, and she scored in the double digits three times.
Her season high was 15 points.
Ashley was a top player at Anadarko High School, and was a big part of the Warriors’ run to three state championship games.
Teamed with her sister, Lakota, in 2012, Anadarko won the Class 4A state title.
Death
KJHR: Students, professors mourn loss of ORU basketball player
Ashley Beatty was found dead in her dorm room at Oral Roberts University. An investigation by campus security and the Tulsa Police Department ruled out foul play.
“We are absolutely heartbroken with the news,” ORU women’s basketball coach Misti Cussen said in a release from the school.
“Ashley was a bright young woman who was loved by everyone on our team and in our community.
Obviously our prayers are with the entire Beatty family during this time.”