The Gaskin Family has long been known for their work developing equine athletes. Now, one member of the Gaskin family is taking her skills to the basketball court. Amanda Gaskin is now working in her second year as the Junior Varsity Coach for the girls’ basketball team at Pendleton Heights High School.
Coach Amanda Gaskin talks with her team during a girls’ basketball game at Shelbyville High School Saturday, Nov. 27. Photo by Tammy Knox
Gaskin, a graduate of Pendleton Heights, was a standout basketball player in high school. Her team made it all the way to semi-state during her senior year. She was named the Indiana All Stars Mental Attitude Award winner and led her team in field goal percentage and rebounds her senior year.
Gaskin advanced on to play college ball at Purdue University Northwest (Calumet) all four years. Standing 5’10, Gaskin averaged 9.4 points per game and 10.2 rebounds with a 49 percent field goal average and made the all-conference second team as a starter all four years. Gaskin completed her college career among the top 10 all-time at Purdue University Northwest’s in rebounding.
Following graduation with a degree in hospitality, tourism and management in 2013, Gaskin returned home and worked for Harrah’s Hoosier Park for several years in their relationship marketing department as the Showroom Sales Executive. She also assisted her family with their horses. Two years ago, a position opened up at her alma mater and she was hired to take over the Junior Varsity girls’ team.
When she’s not in the gym, Gaskin is busy working at the barn at Crimson Lane. Gaskins currently have 14 yearlings they are breaking, six of which were home breds added to the others purchased at various sales this year.
Another tie to Standardbred racing on the Pendleton girls’ team is Kylea Lloyd, daughter of harness trainer Justin Lloyd. Kylea is a four-year-starter for the Lady Arabians and is on the varsity squad. Gaskin also serves as an assistant for the varsity team in addition to her duties on the junior varsity team.