NBA referees often find themselves in the spotlight for nailing a crucial call or sparking debates with controversial decisions. Let’s be real—how many times have you yelled at the TV over a call? These officials play a massive role in shaping the game, balancing fairness with the intensity of the sport. While players steal the show, refs are the unsung heroes (or villains, depending on your view) who keep it all together. It’s not an easy gig!

“I think the general public thinks that we’re kind of just out there, floating or deciding when we want to make a call or not,” Ashley Moyer-Gleich said. She underscores how crucial it is for referees to train their eyes to work faster—anticipating the game’s flow and knowing exactly where to focus. Moyer-Gleich is one of the referees in the NBA. You may not know her name, but you must’ve seen her in a viral clip with Luka Doncic.

So, who exactly is this female referee? Let’s take a closer look.

Who is Ashley Moyer-Gleich? The NBA referee who went viral for her moment with Luka Doncic

Ashley Moyer-Gleich has officiated 172 NBA regular-season games over five seasons as a staff official. Her journey to the league included three seasons in the NBA G League, where she officiated the 2018 playoffs, and a stint as a WNBA referee that same year.

During the ’15-16 season, her career shifted when NBA scouts noticed her officiating at Lancaster Bible College. They asked her if she was interested in joining the professional ranks, and she didn’t hesitate to say yes. She soon found herself immersed in the challenging and fast-paced NBA Development League, later known as the G-League. She stepped into the professional scene with determination and confidence.

A Pennsylvania native, Moyer-Gleich’s officiating background spans multiple levels. She spent five years working high school games in her home state and gained four years of collegiate experience in conferences like the Ivy League, ACC, Atlantic 10, and Patriot League.

Before her officiating career, Moyer-Gleich played college basketball at Millersville University, where she contributed to a run to the Sweet 16 in the 2010 Division II NCAA Tournament.

Off the court, she enjoys staying active through Bikram yoga and swimming. In her downtime, she spends time outdoors with family, plans events, and pursues her passion for photography. Let us talk about the moment when she went viral.

Did you know what went down before the famous Luka clip? During the Dallas Mavericks vs. Toronto Raptors match in the 2020-21 season, early in the second quarter, Willie Cauley-Stein committed a shooting foul on Paul George, sending PG-13 to the free-throw line. While George lined up for his shots, Doncic spoke with sideline referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich.

Tyronn Lue stood nearby as the two exchanged what appeared to be a lighthearted interaction. Moyer-Gleich seemed to mouth “What foul?” twice before Luka’s response made her glance sideways. The NBA community on X had a blast speculating about Luka’s words, with one fan humorously suggesting he said, “Fouling in love with you,” sparking plenty of online laughs.

Who is Ashley Moyer-Gleich married to?

Moyer-Gleich’s success in the NBA is undoubtedly supported by her husband, Johnee Gleich, who’s also quite accomplished in his own right. It’s nice to know she has someone so close to the sport by her side. Johnee’s not just an NCAA Men’s Basketball Official; he’s also the proud owner of “Just Call Johnee, LLC; Creative Remodelling.” Talk about juggling passions! He specializes in everything from custom cabinetry to kitchen makeovers.

Despite their busy lives in basketball, the couple has found a balance and enjoys their time together. Without children yet, it seems they’ve mastered how to juggle their careers while savoring the quiet moments. It’s easy to see why they make such a great team.

What historic feat did Ashley Moyer-Gleich achieve in the 2024 playoffs?

Just before heading to the airport for what she thought would be her final game of the season, Ashley Moyer-Gleich received unexpected news: she would have more games to officiate. In April, the NBA announced that it had selected her as one of 36 referees for the first round of the playoffs, marking a historic moment as the second woman ever to officiate a playoff game.

“It’s surreal,” Moyer-Gleich said, reflecting on the achievement. Joining Violet Palmer, who officiated nine playoff games between 2006 and 2012, Moyer-Gleich is now part of that exclusive club.

Moyer-Gleich, 36, is among the three officials who made their playoff debut this year, joining Marat Kogut and J.T. Orr. It’s a big milestone, but she’s got her eyes set on a bigger prize: the NBA Finals. Only 12 referees were chosen for that prestigious role and awarded the coveted white warm-up jacket. It’s something Moyer-Gleich dreams of. “Obviously, that’s an aspiration, and that’s a goal way far down the road,” she explained, knowing there’s a lot of work ahead. But hey, with her drive, who knows where she’ll go!

Maybe one day, she’ll become the first female official to officiate in the NBA Finals!