By Jon Johnson
PHOENIX – Lookout world, Ashlynn’s back in town and sporting a new shade of purple. Pima and EAC former standout post player Ashlynn Chlarson is heading home. The 6’3″ junior center has committed to play women’s basketball for Grand Canyon University under head coach Winston Gandy.
Chlarson spent the 2025-26 season at the University of Arkansas, where she appeared in 32 games (28 starts) and averaged 4.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 39.2% from the field. The Pima product brought size, rebounding presence, and interior defense to the Razorbacks’ frontcourt in the competitive SEC.
The move to GCU marks a return to familiar territory for Chlarson, who built her reputation as one of Arizona’s top young talents on the high school and junior college levels before venturing out of state.
From Pima Roughrider to College Standout
Chlarson was a dominant four-year varsity player for the Pima Roughriders girls’ basketball team. She helped lead Pima to back-to-back 2A state championships in 2021 and 2022 and earned recognition as the 2A Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
In April 2023, she signed with Eastern Arizona College, giving the Gila Monsters a prized local addition. During her time at EAC, Chlarson developed into a productive post presence. She nearly averaged a double-double in her second season and delivered a standout performance in the 2025 NJCAA Elite Eight, posting 19 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks against Wabash Valley to earn Jersey Mike’s Player of the Game honors.
That strong showing helped open doors. After receiving roughly 25 scholarship offers, Chlarson chose the University of Arkansas over programs such as Alabama, Mississippi State, and Cal. She transferred to the Razorbacks for the 2025-26 season.
Coming Full Circle at GCU
Now, after one season in Fayetteville, Chlarson is returning to Arizona to join the Lopes. GCU, located in Phoenix, offers her the chance to play closer to family and friends while continuing her college career in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Head coach Winston Gandy, who was named GCU’s 10th women’s basketball head coach in March 2025, is building the program with a mix of experience and potential. Chlarson’s size and proven production at both the NJCAA and NCAA levels should bolster the Lopes’ frontcourt.
From leading Pima to state titles, starring at Eastern Arizona College, testing herself in the SEC at Arkansas, and now returning home to GCU, Chlarson has steadily climbed the competitive ladder while staying grounded in her roots.
Fans in Pima and across Arizona will have plenty of opportunities to watch the 6’3″ center compete in familiar surroundings in the season ahead as Chlarson’s commitment adds an experienced interior player to Gandy’s roster while the Lopes look to build momentum in the WAC.
