Purdue's Stevenson just getting started after earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year: "I know I have a lot more to offer"
Mary Ashley Stevenson becomes the fourth Boilermaker - and first since Katie Gearlds in 2004 - to win the league's top freshman honor
Mary Ashley Stevenson didn’t join the Boilermakers with a list of expectations for her freshman season.
She wanted to earn her minutes, contribute to whatever success Purdue would achieve, and soak up as much knowledge as possible to set a foundation for her future.
After coming off the bench in the opener at UCLA, Stevenson moved into the starting lineup and remained the last 28 games. Her success this season hasn’t been a straight line, but Stevenson has demonstrated she belongs at the Big Ten level and beyond.
“I remember having a conversation with (coach Katie Gearlds) over the summer, saying, ‘What do you want from me? I’m ready to do whatever it takes,’ ” Stevenson recalled. “I came in wanting to play and that was important to me but just the fact that I’ve been able to come in and accomplish what I have so far, I didn’t have expectations. If I work as hard as I can, I’m going to be proud of myself at the end of the year.”
Here's something else to be proud of – Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
The 6-foot-2 Stevenson earned the media’s vote for the award, which was announced Tuesday ahead of this week’s Big Ten tournament in Minneapolis. The media also selected Stevenson honorable mention All-Big Ten.
Nebraska’s Natalie Potts was named the top freshman by the league’s coaches. Stevenson is the fourth Boilermaker to win the award and the first since Gearlds in 2004. MaChelle Joseph (1989) and Leslie Johnson (1994) were the others.
Rashunda Jones also earned a spot on the media’s All-Freshman Team.
“SHE’S GREAT IN THE OPEN FLOOR”
Stevenson has posted impressive numbers this season, but the set that stands out is the last 10 games. After suffering a broken nose in two places against Ohio State in late January -and counting the game against the Buckeyes - Stevenson is averaging 11.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and is shooting 51.2% from the field and 95% from the line while wearing a custom protective mask.
In her next game following surgery, Stevenson totaled 25 points – hitting nine straight free throws – and nine rebounds during an overtime win over Illinois.
Although Potts won Big Ten Freshman of the Week eight times, Stevenson continued to gain momentum throughout the season.
“Just maturity,” Gearlds said, summarizing Stevenson’s first season. “There’s been some games she’s been really good and some games where you can tell she’s a freshman out there just learning.”
Stevenson continues applying the lessons from practices and games, using those experiences throughout the season. She was a force around the basket early in the year but expanded her offensive game to the mid-range area and isn’t shy about incorporating more 3-point attempts.
“Anytime she lets the game come to her, she’s really good,” Gearlds said. “She’s great in the open floor, rim running for us, she can knock down 15-footters but the work all year long has been so solid.
“We thrust her into it right away and she accepted the challenge and really proud of her and excited for the future with her.
“YOU’RE GOING TO BE FINE”
She battled nerves in the team’s exhibition game in late October and made her college debut coming off the bench when the Boilermakers lost at UCLA to open the season. However, six days later, Stevenson was in the starting lineup against Southern, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds.
The move to the starting lineup came quick, but once Stevenson settled into the role, she hasn’t let go and continues to showcase her skillset. But there were challenges early on, looking to take the next step after a stellar high school career.
“I remember being so nervous in the exhibition game coming off the bench getting in for the first time,” Stevenson said. “We ran up and down the court five times and I was totally out of breath. I was so anxious, and I remember looking at Caitlyn Harper and Caitlyn saying, ‘It’s OK; take a breath. You’re going to be fine.’ ”
And she has been all that and more.
Her 10.4 scoring average and 4.5 rebounding average in league games rank second among Big Ten freshmen. She’s also one of 13 major conference freshmen who average 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.
But this is why Stevenson decided to join Gearlds’ program. She wanted to play on the big stage against strong competition, and that’s what has happened this season. In the recruiting process, Stevenson was viewed as a centerpiece for the program’s future and this award highlights what’s ahead for her and the Boilermakers.
“I know I have a lot to learn,” Stevenson said. “I have a huge level of confidence that I gained this year playing in the Big Ten and with the regular season under my belt, I know I have a lot more to offer.”
PURDUE BIG TEN HONORS
Jeanae Terry: Honorable mention (coaches/media)
Caitlyn Harper: Honorable mention (coaches/media)
Mary Ashley Stevenson: Freshman of the Year (media); All-Freshman (coaches/media); All-Big Ten honorable mention (media)
Rashunda Jones: All-Freshman (media)
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
WEDNESDAY
Target Center (Minneapolis)
No. 12 Purdue (12-17) vs. No. 13 Northwestern (9-20)
Time: 6:30 p.m. (ET)
Streaming: Peacock
Radio: BOB-FM
What’s next: The winner plays No. 5 seed Nebraska on Thursday in the second round