NEWPORT, Ky. — Ashley Hicks loves everything about sports, but growing up, opportunities to play were hard to find.

Her family found them, and she took to basketball. 

What You Need To Know

  • Special Olympics Northern Kentucky has more than 700 registered athletes, said basketball coordinator John Foppe 

  • Ashley Hicks competes on the Orange Crush and is embraced by her teammates and fans 

  • Special Olympics has athletes ranging from 8 years old to 60 

  • Hicks said she hopes she can inspire others to get involved

"I love the sport, and I love my teammates,” Hicks said. “I like to pass and shoot.”

During a fundraising game against the Newport Central Catholic Intramural Allstars, Hicks’ team, the Orange Crush, drew a large crowd of fans who went nuts when she scored.

“That's the best feeling in the world," said Brady Hicks, Ashley's younger brother. "She woke up this morning with the biggest smile on her face. She’s been levitating all day thinking about this game. And to see that smile when she made that basket, stuff like that’s priceless." 

The Crush are part of Special Olympics Northern Kentucky. Head coach John Foppe, who is also basketball coordinator for Special Olympics Northern Kentucky, said the region has more than 700 registered athletes, which is more than anywhere else in the state. 

Foppe got involved when his son started competing in track for Special Olympics. He’s been coaching the Crush for 25 years.

“I’ve got several players on the team that I’ve had the whole time I’ve been coaching,” he said.

He’s got players ranging in age from their 20s to 60 years old.

Special Olympics starts with athletes as young as 8. As important as it is for them, Foppe said it’s even more necessary for adults.

“We've had several athletes that haven’t started in the program until high school or maybe even right after, and they all regret that," he said. "They really wish they had gotten involved sooner."

"I truly believe that I get more out of it than they do. They all want to work hard, they all listen and we have a really good time.”

Hicks said she hopes she can inspire others to get involved.

“They should play," she said. "It's good sports." 

The crowd even sang her "Happy Birthday." 

“It's good to be a part of the team,” Hicks said. “They’re awesome and fun to play with.”

This game was just the warmup for the 2025 Special Olympics Kentucky Region 2 Basketball Tournament, the largest one yet, which brought 450 athletes to northern Kentucky.

“They need a sense of community just like you and I do," Brady Hicks said. "There is no better place than at these events. It’s super easy to fall in love with doing this kind of work.”

Visit the organization's website for more information. 

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