Ashelle Legall

Ashelle was born and raised in the village of Bon Accord, Tobago. She was a National U16 Netballer in 2006, and upon her graduating from Bishop’s High school in 2007, she was awarded a Netball Scholarship by The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). She attained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Sport Studies with specialisation in Sport Management and Sport for Development in 2011, and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in International Sport for Development in 2017.

Between 2011 and 2013, whilst a student at UTT, Ashelle was also a key player on the National U21 Netball Team, and the National Senior Team. During the pursuit of her M.Sc., her love for administration and sport coaching grew, and she served as the Assistant Secretary at the Trinidad and Tobago Netball Association from 2013-2015. Due to her involvement in Sport Administration, she discovered that there were no recreational avenues catered to women on the island of Tobago, geared towards them being able to enjoy sporting activities outside of a tournament-style situation.

As a result, in 2018, she founded the "NET ASH FOUNDATION" whose motto is "Levelling the Playing Field", and is focused on developing community life through sport. The Foundation’s premier programme "Come Leh We Sweat Nah" was created to provide an opportunity for physical activity, stress relief and entertainment for spectators and players alike, but most importantly, the island’s women. It promotes a level playing field where club affiliation, age, gender and economic status do not matter, only the willingness to participate and have fun whilst doing so.

Ashelle is a sport advocate and recommends that everyone should partake in sport or physical activity throughout their lifetime, and she also believes that sport is the one thing that can unite people regardless of their social status.

1.     How was your experience at UTT as a student-athlete?

I started at UTT just days after turning seventeen (17) and I had moved away from my village in Tobago; it was a major developmental period in my life. There I was able to become responsible and learn how to manoeuvre and balance school, training and basically taking care of myself and my immediate needs. Whilst there I gained a wealth of knowledge and formed lifetime friendships which I still cherish to date.

2.     What is your greatest sporting achievement to-date?

My greatest sporting achievement would be being selected as a member of the National Netball U21 and Senior Teams which was something that I had always aspired to since I began playing this beautiful sport at a young age. To be able to compete against other hardworking women was one of the highest points in my sporting career.

3.     How is your life after UTT?

Currently, I am attached to the Sport in Education Unit at the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy as a Sport Officer, Tobago House of Assembly. I continue to work assiduously as the Founder and Director of my non-profit organisation "The Net-Ash Foundation" which is geared toward promoting participation in netball throughout all ages and skill level in Tobago, inclusive of rehabilitation work with young children. I am also an Executive Member of the Friends of Shaw Park Committee, which is an events-based organisation in Tobago where I help develop the skills of the young girls at my former Secondary School - Bishop’s High School, Tobago as their Netball Coach. UTT and its High-Performance Scholarship Programme has shaped and prepared me for life after University and my sporting career in a very positive position.

4.     What challenges did you encounter as a student-athlete at UTT?

I encountered financial challenges whilst there along with not being able to frequently return home as I had commitments to school and training which dominated the majority of my time.

5.     How are you coping with the pandemic?

Presently, I am enjoying this season of rest by reading and catching up on the sporting activities around the world.