Meet Ashley! Originally from LaFayette, New York, she now calls Durango, Colorado, her home. Ashley has a deep love for lacrosse and growing the game.
During her time at LaFayette High School, Ashley was an active participant in soccer and lacrosse. She carried her passion for lacrosse to the University of New Haven, where she not only pursued a Psychology degree but also left her mark on the lacrosse field. Ashley played in 59 games, she scored 32 points throughout her career. Twice she was recognized on the Northeast 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
After her time at UNH, Ashley headed to Ohio to earn her graduate degree in educational leadership at Heidelberg University. While there, she continued her passion for lacrosse and coached for three years, one year as a graduate assistant during the program’s inaugural season, and then two years as the head coach of the Division III program. She holds the most wins at the helm of a Head Coach record at Heidelberg.
Now, Ashley is heading into her fifth year as the head coach of the Division II program at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Ashley has helped the team make significant strides. Under her guidance, the team reached the conference tournament for the past two years, producing 11 All-Conference players, including the Goalie of the Year in 2022. Many of her players even earned spots on the All-Academic Teams, and one joined the Italian National Team. Ashley is eagerly anticipating the upcoming season, ready to make more waves!
Aside from coaching, Ashley stays active by working part-time at a local fitness center in the summer. Lacrosse remains a constant source of passion and learning for her. Read all about Ashley and how sports and lacrosse has had a positive impact on her!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
I played soccer and lacrosse!
Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
I was always hesitant about being good enough in the sports I played. I always wanted to do my best and I worried about not being good enough.
Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?
I looked up to Kayla Treanor when I was playing lacrosse. She was such a competitive and creative player. Her excitement and passion for lacrosse always shows when she plays.
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
My favorite memory associated with sports is beating Adelphi my senior year of college. We broke Adelphi’s 36 game winning streak. We beat them by 5 goals and I scored twice in that game. It was such a fun and intense game and it even started with a lightning delay 5 minutes into the game. We were unfortunately down by 4 or 5 goals already when the delay was called and when we came back out to play again we were in fire and the excitement was surreal.
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
Playing sports has shaped me to be a confident and accountable women. I have grown to be confident in what I do and strong for myself and those around me. Playing sports has taught me that I can never stop growing as an individual and there is always potential in everything I do. Playing sports has helped me grow many lifetime friendships.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?
For young girls starting sports I’d say be excited about starting something new. New experiences help you grow as a person. It is ok to be nervous and a little hesitant but know that it is just going to make you stronger. Sports will shape who you are through your your life and show you just how amazing you can be when you put your mind to it!
Coach Rachel 