Ashley Paris
A dominant college basketball force whose twin sister bond and record-setting rebounding defined her path to the WNBA.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Ashley Paris carved her basketball identity alongside her twin sister Courtney at the University of Oklahoma, forming one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the nation. While often sharing the spotlight, Ashley's own game was marked by a powerful interior presence and a keen understanding of space. Her senior season saw her average a double-double, proving her individual merit. Selected by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2009 WNBA draft, her professional journey was a testament to persistence, taking her to teams overseas where she continued to leverage her strength and experience. Her story is intrinsically linked to family and the unique dynamic of competing and excelling at the highest level alongside an identical sibling.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ashley was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ashley Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ashley's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Averaged a double-double (13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds) during her senior season at the University of Oklahoma.
- Selected 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2009 WNBA draft.
- Played professionally internationally in countries including Turkey and Israel.
- Helped lead the Oklahoma Sooners to the NCAA Final Four in 2009.
Did You Know?
She and her sister Courtney are fraternal, not identical, twins.
She played high school basketball at Millikan High School in Long Beach, California.
Her father, Bubba Paris, won three Super Bowls as an offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers.
“Playing alongside my twin was a unique challenge, but we pushed each other every day.”
