Steven Ashworth: Balancing Fatherhood and Leadership to Propel Creighton to Victory at Hinkle Fieldhouse
Steven Ashworth balances fatherhood and leadership, guiding Creighton to key victories.
INDIANAPOLIS — Back home in Omaha, seven-month-old Tommy Jay Ashworth is either sleeping, feeding, or crying—as babies do. Meanwhile, at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, his father, Steven Ashworth Creighton, is leading the Creighton Bluejays to a hard-fought 80-76 victory over Butler, narrowly missing a triple-double by just one assist.
At 24, Ashworth is juggling multiple roles—a standout senior guard, a husband, and a new father—all while being the nation’s top free-throw shooter and averaging 17 points per game. Despite the challenges, he remains a crucial component in Creighton’s push for a fifth consecutive NCAA tournament bid.
Ashworth’s Impact on the Court
Ashworth, who has made 61 of 63 free throws this season, carries a significant load in the absence of his injured backcourt partner. In the win against Butler, he posted 22 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, showing his importance in both scoring and playmaking.
“Balancing basketball and fatherhood requires careful time management,” Ashworth shared post-game. “I have to be intentional about how I spend my time both on and off the court.”
Creighton’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster. After a strong 4-0 start and a high ranking of No. 14 in the AP Poll, they encountered setbacks with losses to Nebraska, San Diego State, and Texas A&M. However, they rebounded impressively with a dominant win over top-ranked Kansas, thanks to a stellar performance by Pop Isaacs, who later succumbed to a season-ending hip injury.
Ashworth’s Journey from Mission Work to Basketball Leadership
Before his collegiate career, Ashworth spent two years on a Mormon mission in Indianapolis, dedicating his time to community service. His connection to the city made Saturday’s win even more meaningful.
“I remember walking around Hinkle Fieldhouse, just hoping to get a peek inside,” he reminisced. “To now be playing here and helping my team win feels surreal.”
Coach Greg McDermott praised Ashworth’s resilience: “He takes a beating and keeps coming back. He’s been an unbelievable leader alongside Ryan Kalkbrenner, who scored 26 points tonight. They’re the core of this team.”
Balancing Fatherhood and Basketball
Despite his commitments on the court, Ashworth’s focus remains on his family. “Sleep training has been challenging,” he said with a laugh. “Some nights are tough, but my wife, Peyton, has been incredible in helping me stay rested.”
Peyton, named after the legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, ensures Ashworth gets enough rest before games. “If Tommy’s having a rough night, she takes him to another room so I can sleep,” Ashworth shared.
Looking Ahead for Creighton
With Providence and road trips to Connecticut and Villanova looming, Creighton (9-6) is pushing to improve their NET ranking, currently at No. 54, to secure a tournament spot. Ashworth, with 148 college games under his belt, knows the challenges ahead and is ready to lead.
“We’re evolving as a team, and I believe we can finish strong,” he stated.
Key Takeaways from Ashworth’s Leadership
- Near triple-double performance: 22 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists.
- Creighton aims for a fifth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance.
- Ashworth’s balance between fatherhood and basketball is inspiring.
- Upcoming crucial matchups will determine Creighton’s tournament fate.
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