Her passion for the sport of basketball grew at an early age.

Ashley Zuber was two or three years old when she had her first experience with basketball.

However, that experience didn't start out so well.

After waiting in line with her father for a high school boys state playoff game at the Geigle Complex in Reading, Zuber got news that the event had been sold out. She broke down in tears.

But a ticket collector, after seeing Zuber crying outside, decided to make a difference in the young girl's life. Zuber and her father were admitted into the game, and little did anyone know the impact that game would have on her.

It was that moment, as well as watching her father coach the high school ranks growing up, that served as a springboard for her basketball career. It has included two District 11 championships during her time at Parkland, a PIAA championship her senior year in 2006, a stellar collegiate career at the University at Buffalo, and most recently, an assistant head coaching position with her alma mater.

"We got to sit in the front row, and I sat there in his lap and just watched the entire game," Zuber said. "I think I just fell in love with the game then, and I've wanted to coach ever since I've seen him do it.

"I'm living the dream right now. To be able to coach at my alma mater is special. When I recruit players it is exciting for me, and I think there is a lot of passion and pride behind what I do just because I want to see this place be great."

Zuber's first year as an assistant coach for the University at Buffalo women's basketball team is now officially in the books. Under the guidance of head coach Felisha Legette-Jack, the Bulls went 17-13 (10-8 in the Mid American Conference) and were just two wins shy of the all-time school mark.

It's always been her dream to coach basketball. So, after applying for a number of different positions across the United States, Zuber jumped at the chance to rejoin the program she helped build during her career.

"When I was finishing my clinical in May, I went down to a tournament that my old AAU coach runs down in Richmond," Zuber said. "Coach Jack was actually down there. We got to talking, and she just said I would love to have you come up and interview you.

"There are a lot of things I do as an assistant that I would never think of as a player. Things go into it from academics to personal life, to actually coaching basketball and recruiting. It's busy, but I'm kind of living the dream. I never really feel like I'm at work because I do what I love."

Her name will always be a part of the Bulls' record books. As a senior, Zuber broke school records for most assists in a game (16) and most assists in a single season (198). She is fifth in career assists and 13th in career three-pointers.

While coaching has always been at the forefront, Zuber graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy last May as well.

"I want to coach basketball. That's what I love to do," Zuber said. "It helps a lot to have that background. I'm able to have a hand in the strength and conditioning aspect."

Zuber admits there's not much down time, if any, even during the offseason. She'll continue with recruiting events in April. By the time next season rolls around, head coach Jack has already given her some more responsibilities.

"Going into next year, she gave me a lot of recruiting responsibilities," Zuber said. "As a second-year coach, to be able to have that responsibility is pretty awesome."