After cancer battle, woman becomes one of Camden County’s top high school basketball refs
CAMDEN, N.J. - A Camden County woman has become one of the area's top high school basketball referees after battling ovarian cancer and drawing inspiration from her father to stay connected to the game.
Ashley Steinberg's career on the court was cut short during her junior year of high school following an ACL injury. She tried coaching, but ultimately she wanted to follow in her father's footsteps as a referee.
But just as Ashley's young career as a referee was starting, her life took an abrupt and unexpected turn. Doctors found a mass the size of a melon on her right ovary and borderline tumors on her left side.
"I noticed in 2012 that my stomach was growing," Ashley told FOX 29 back in 2016. "I just thought I was gaining weight from all the junk food I eat."
Ashley needed both ovaries removed, but fortunately, the cancer was contained.
"I was lucky it was contained, if it wasn't contained I don't know what the end result would be," Ashley said.
Ashley Steinberg has become one of Camden County's top refs after battling ovarian cancer.
With a large support group of family and friends by her side, Ashley won her battle and is now cancer-free.
"She's tough," Ashley's father Sidney Steinberg said. "That's why I knew after what she went through with her health situation, I knew refereeing would be a breeze for her."
Sidney took a hiatus from working as a referee to teach Ashley everything he knew about the job.
"I think after my health situation, when I had cancer, I wanted to do something to get involved and, something to do with my Dad," Ashley said.
Sidney's tutelage included post-game chats and closely watching how the college refs called games.
After Ashley worked her way through the ranks, Sidney came out of retirement and now the father-daughter duo ref a few games a week.
"It's a good feeling when you go into a gym and the coaches are happy to see you or some fans are like ‘Yes, we have you guys tonight, we know it’s going to be a good game!'," Ashley said.
Ashley has become one of the top high school refs in Camden County. She also continues to raise money and volunteer for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
"I'm stronger than what I thought and just helping people, it just means a lot if I can help save someone's life, then, that's my purpose," Ashley said.
___
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP | FOX 29 WEATHER AUTHORITY APP
SUBSCRIBE: Good Day Digest Newsletter | FOX 29 Philly on YouTube