St. Thomas Aquinas High School is proud to announce that seniors Erica Warren and Hayley Smith have signed with Ashland University to play collegiate basketball. While at the university, Warren will double major in social work and missionary studies, and minor in business management. Smith is undecided at this time.
Erica Warren is the daughter of Lakisha Warren and Vince Pennington. Warren has maintained a 3.5 GPA while remaining
active in school and in her church community, High Mill Church of the Resurrection. During her high school career, Warren has received several athletic recognitions. She was named Most Improved Player (2019), Most Valuable Player (2017), and earned the Leadership Award (2017). She has played high basketball for four years, three years as varsity starter, and was the president of the Social Justice organization for three years. Warren also played volleyball for Aquinas this year.
“Erica has been a valuable addition to our program,” said Ryan Hill, St. Thomas Aquinas women’s basketball coach. “Her
energy and passion for the game makes her an amazing leader at our school.”
Hayley Smith is the daughter of Jared and Kim Smith. Smith is a member of the National Honor Society and holds a 4.58 GPA. She has been on the basketball team throughout high school and has earned several athletic honors including 3rd Team All-Ohio, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-League, and 1st Team All-County. Smith has also been nominated for Female Athlete of the Year in Stark County.
“Hayley is a leader in our gym and passionate player on the court,” Hill said. “Hayley will be a great addition to Ashland
University.”
Warren says that after her visit to the university, she knew that Ashland was the best fit for her because of the school’s
“environment, people and opportunities.” Smith says that she has chosen to attend Ashland University because the people there are the most “uplifting and encouraging people” she has ever met.