Entering her second season with the Bearcats, sophomore guard Ashley Redd returns to the court with a direct focus on her mindset, becoming whatever player Binghamton needs her to be.

“Our theme this year is ‘one,’” she said. “I just want to be the best me each game, just be there for my team, just focus on ‘one’ — our one team.”

Redd played in 28 of 33 games last season, averaging 3.8 points per game. She scored a career high of 12 points against Colgate in December, providing a glimpse into her solid ability to contribute offensively. Before playing for Binghamton, Redd was named to the second-team all-star at Sierra Canyon High School, and averaged 17.4 points per game during her senior season of high school.

After a tight loss to Maine in the semifinals that ended their conference play last year, the Bearcats ranked first in the America East preseason poll. Binghamton will continue its chase for a championship, and Redd especially underscored what obtaining this achievement could mean for her and the team.

“Winning a championship would be the best thing for our team,” she said. “And that’s what we’re striving for. So I’m just trying to play the role that my team needs me to be. Whether it changes every time, you know, every game.”

Despite success in the regular season last year, the team is taking this season one play at a time. Redd emphasized that the team’s priority is on preparing for the games immediately ahead.

“Our next game is the biggest game of the season,” Redd said. “So, each game is going to change right now. We have an exhibition against Geneseo. So, Geneseo, for me, is the biggest game of the season. So, I’m most excited to play them today. And then next game, I’ll be most excited to play Monmouth. And then the next game, I’ll be most excited to play Fairfield.”

Redd looks to continue to grow her game as she takes on her second collegiate season, with hopes high to take the team further than last season. Despite their impressive run in the previous season, the Bearcats are making various focal upgrades that they hope will translate into new and improved conference play.

“Everything’s more intentional, I’d say, just focusing in on what [head coach Mary Grimes] is just saying, day to day,” Redd said. “I think my role this year is bigger than last year’s, so I’m just making sure that again, I’ll be whatever the team needs me to be. Not just focusing on what I’m doing, but also focusing on what my teammates are doing as well. The difference is a mindset. Everything’s sharper, everything’s quicker, and I’m just trying to do the best I can for the team.”

With newfound responsibilities and continued commitment to the team, Redd hopes to build on her freshman season and find her footing while helping the Bearcats raise the stakes in reaching for the AE championship. As Binghamton enters the season the conference’s preseason favorite, Redd’s focus will remain on contributing wherever the team needs her, one game at a time.