Ashley Moyer-Gleich, a former Division II player at Millersville University, has made history by becoming only the second woman in NBA history to referee a playoff game. The NBA announced its selection of 36 referees for Round 1 of the playoffs, with Moyer-Gleich being one of the three first-time playoff selections this year.
Moyer-Gleich expressed her excitement, calling the opportunity 'surreal.' She was promoted to the full-time NBA officiating ranks in November 2018 and has officiated over 200 regular-season games in her six seasons.
She joins Violet Palmer as the only women selected by the NBA for a playoff assignment. Palmer had worked nine playoff games between 2006 and 2012.
The league trims the officiating roster for each round, with the NBA Finals typically having a 12-person list of referees who receive white warm-up jackets, a tradition in the league.
Moyer-Gleich shared her aspirations of potentially becoming a crew chief and officiating in the NBA Finals, stating that the white jacket is a coveted symbol in the officiating world.
The NBA President of League Operations commended the selected officials for their professionalism, dedication, and teamwork throughout the season, emphasizing the honor of officiating in the NBA Playoffs.
While Moyer-Gleich acknowledges the long road ahead to potentially officiate in the NBA Finals, she remains focused on continuing to grow in her role and hopes to inspire other females in the field.
