KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tennessee Southern senior guard Ashley Dickey has been named the NAIA Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week after delivering a dominant, disruptive performance that fueled the Firehawks to a 2–0 week on their home floor.

A 5-foot-10 veteran from Baltimore, Maryland, Dickey was relentless on the defensive end in wins over Abraham Baldwin (80–58 on Jan. 22) and Thomas (77–65 on Jan. 23), averaging an eye-opening seven steals per game. Her on-ball pressure, anticipation in passing lanes, and ability to turn defense into instant offense consistently swung momentum in UT Southern's favor.

Dickey opened the week with a statement performance against Abraham Baldwin, recording a rare triple-double in just 29 minutes. She finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, 10 steals, and one block, completely controlling the game on both ends of the floor and igniting multiple Firehawk runs.

Less than 24 hours later, Dickey followed it up with another high-impact effort against Thomas, posting a double-double of 24 points and 13 rebounds while adding two assists, four steals, and a block in 27 minutes. Her defensive intensity set the tone early and carried through the final horn as UT Southern secured its ninth consecutive victory.

Across the two games, Dickey totaled 38 points on 16-of-39 shooting, 23 rebounds, seven assists, 14 steals, and two blocks. She also swept the Southern States Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week honors, earning both the offensive and defensive awards for the same stretch.

Dickey's national recognition adds to an already impressive résumé and highlights the defensive identity driving UT Southern's continued success.

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