Student-athlete Ashley Akamine ’25 makes data part of the game

For Ashley Akamine ‘25, college was never going to be about choosing one path.

“Seeing how two different aspects of my life — athletics and computer science — come together in meaningful ways has been both exciting and rewarding,” says Ashley, who’s finishing up her major in computer science and a minor in Native American & Indigenous studies. A basketball player, data enthusiast, and proud member of PLU’s Hawai‘i club, Ashley has spent her college years finding connections between her passions.

Ashley came to PLU from Hawai‘i, drawn by the chance to have a breadth of experiences. “I chose PLU because it offered the opportunity to pursue both my academic and athletic passions,” she explains. “I wanted to play collegiate basketball while receiving a great education, and PLU provided the perfect environment to do both.”

Balancing a varsity sport, academics, and a part-time job wasn’t easy, but it’s one of the things she’s most proud of. “Learning to manage my time effectively and stay dedicated to my passions has been incredibly rewarding,” Ashley says. That dedication paid off, both on and off the court.

One of her most impactful roles was serving as a Sports Science Assistant at PLU. What does a Sports Science Assistant do, exactly? Ashley explains, “I’ve developed long-term dashboards that serve as both a visualization tool and a database for 18 varsity athletic teams. These dashboards track athlete performance over time, offering valuable insights for training and development.” It’s technical work, and she was glad for the opportunity. “As a student-athlete, this work was incredibly meaningful, as it allowed me to create tools that directly support teams and enhance their performance.”

Ashley’s interest in data-driven research also took her beyond sports. Through the Natural Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Program (NSSURP), she worked on a project applying machine learning techniques to predict ocean currents in collaboration with a researcher from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. “That project allowed me to apply AI to real-world environmental challenges, which was a huge learning experience and a confidence boost in my ability to contribute to meaningful research,” she notes.

Ashley credits her academic success, in part, to the support of PLU’s computer science faculty. “They genuinely care about their students and go out of their way to support us,” she says. Mentors like Dr. Jeff Caley provided guidance and opened doors to research and career opportunities, helping her gain confidence in a competitive field.

Outside of academics, Ashley stayed connected to her Hawai‘ian roots throughout her time at PLU. One of her most cherished experiences was being part of Nā Hoaloha o Hawai‘i, PLU’s Hawai‘i club. “Ho‘olaule‘a, our club’s biggest event of the year, is something I look forward to every spring,” she says. “It’s a way to bring a piece of home to PLU, and it’s always heartwarming to see how much people enjoy and appreciate the event.”

Ashley relished being outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. “Whether going on walks, making lei, or simply relaxing outside, I find a lot of peace in nature.” Along with enjoying the natural beauty of the region, she got to indulge her foodie side during her time at PLU. Her favorite dish from The Commons? “The Filipino Chicken Barbecue (Inihaw na Manok)! It is one of those meals that always hits the spot.”

Financial support played a critical role in Ashley’s journey. “I’ve been fortunate to receive multiple scholarships from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation and PLU, and I’m incredibly grateful for that support,” she reflects. She also shared how much it meant that PLU stepped up to support students from Lahaina after the 2023 fires. “That level of care and understanding meant so much to me and my family, and I can’t express how thankful I am for it.”