High Schools

MARIA STEIN — Like just about every home in this Mercer County community, Ashley Homan's yard has a basketball hoop.

But Homan isn't your typical basketball player. Homan is autistic. That hasn't stopped the Marion Local High School freshman from shooting for her dreams.

She plays on the freshman team, dresses for junior varsity games and hasn't missed a practice.

Autism is a developmental disability resulting from a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. Social interaction and communication skills are affected.

"She's made tremendous progress and has a love for basketball," said Marion Local varsity coach Treva Fortkamp. "She understands what she can do and can't do."

Homan's favorite basketball memory happened in a recent game against Celina when she scored her first two points.

"She usually gives me a wink and a thumbs up," said Fortkamp, who anticipates more baskets in Homan's future: "As long as she wants to keep playing, she can. I think it's been good for my kids, to see the challenges some kids face."

In her words

"I played in our school's youth program in fifth and sixth grade. I didn't play in seventh and eighth grade. It's my favorite sport, and (Fortkamp) said it was OK for me to go out this year."

"(Being autistic) things are a lot more difficult. But I like to do well like the other kids."

"The plays are complicated and confusing."

"Jodi Huelsman (is my role model) because she was my baby sitter when I was a kid. Now she takes me to practice."

"I like to draw and play my Gameboy."

"The Road to Columbus" is my favorite sports movie. It's a video of the Marion Local girls' and boys' basketball season in 2003 when they both won state."

"Sonic Mega Collection for Playstation 2 (was my favorite Christmas present)."

"Math is my favorite subject because I'm good at that subject."

"I hope to design cartoons (after high school)."

"Beth Rosenbeck helps me with my homework and in class when things are too difficult. My friends Ellen, Nicole and Kristina are also good to me."

The best thing about living in Maria Stein? "Everyone treats me nice."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991,

or gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.