Ashley Graham has bounced her way back home.

As a Redmond High School (RHS) basketball star, the 2003 graduate was the 4A Kingco Conference most valuable player her senior year and started at point guard for three seasons with the Mustangs.

This season, Graham steps into the head coach’s position and aims to bring the Mustang program back to prominence. During her RHS days, the team won three state trophies and finished second in 2001.

The Mustangs haven’t notched a winning record for five years. Kim Gervasoni, head coach for the last two years, resigned to spend more time with her family, according to RHS athletic director John Appelgate.

“I’m really excited about it. My family still lives down the road from the school. It’s a family atmosphere here,” Graham, 29, said. “I want to get them working hard every day and focusing on improving. I’ve already put a lot of hard work into it by working with the select players all summer long.”

Added Appelgate: “We are confident that coach Graham’s knowledge of the game, commitment to the community and compassion for our student athletes will continue to propel Redmond High School girls basketball in a positive direction both athletically and academically.”

Graham played her college ball at Santa Clara University and competed professionally in Europe for six seasons. She is the owner and director of Pinnacle Hoops and formerly coached with the Puget Sound Flight Basketball Club.

Graham, who played ball in Romania last season, says she’s looking forward to taking on her new role and doesn’t know if she’ll return to the pro ranks.

“It’s hard for any athlete to put their shoes up for good,” she said with a laugh.