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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Gilas Women mourn passing of U18 standout Ashlyn Abong

Gilas Women mourn passing of U18 standout Ashlyn Abong

Published Jun 28, 2025 12:35 pm  |  Updated Jun 28, 2025 02:12 pm

At A Glance

  • Gilas Pilipinas girls team and National University Lady Bullpups standout Ashlyn Abong has passed away, the women's national team announced on its Facebook page , Saturday, June 28.
Gilas Pilipinas girls team and National University Lady Bullpups standout Ashlyn Abong reportedly collapsed during training.
Gilas Pilipinas girls team and National University Lady Bullpups standout Ashlyn Abong reportedly collapsed during training.
Gilas Pilipinas girls team and National University Lady Bullpups standout Ashlyn Abong has passed away, the women's national team announced on its Facebook page on Saturday, June 28.
She was 18.
>font-family: Gilroy; display: inline !important;>The promising cagebelle reportedly collapsed while in training. The school’s medical team tried to revive her and was brought to the hospital but she did not make it.
The PH women's basketball community mourned the sudden passing of the 5-foot-11 center, who was considered part of the promising future for the Gilas Girls.
“Quiet, kind, and strong — that was Ash. She may not have said much, but she always said hi first. That small act meant everything. It showed her heart — gentle, thoughtful, and always looking out for others,” the Gilas Women’s basketball team said in a heartfelt post.
“Ash, your jersey was #21, but to us, you were one of one. On and off the field you gave everything. We’ll miss your smile, your warmth, and the quiet strength you brought into every room and every game. We are very proud of you,” it added.
“Thank you for being our teammate, for being our pride, for being Ash.”
Abong was part of the Gilas Girls team that earned the promotion to Division A in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B last year. She was also a part of the National University Nazareth School team who finished as runners-up in the UAAP Season 87 girls basketball tournament.
“Ashlyn passed away during training—doing what she loved most. At just 18 years old, she had already shown the heart, spirit, and strength of a true champion. Her dedication, humility, and bright presence inspired everyone around her,” said Gilas Girls head coach Julie Amos in a post.
“Ashlyn was more than a teammate—she was family. Her memory will forever live on in our hearts, in our team, and in every game we play moving forward. You carried so much promise, and left us with memories full of heart. You will be deeply missed — on and off the court,” she added.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas also mourned the passing of the promising cagebelle.
“We are stunned and heartbroken by the sudden passing of Ashlyn Abong. We lost a young and committed athlete who always said yes to representing the country,” the statement read on a social media post.
“We send love and prayers to Ashlyn’s entired family in this difficult time,” it added.
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