Whether on the sidelines or in the classroom, Coach Austin Ashley brings the same passion and dedication to both his students and his players. He makes sure both his students and players enjoy what they are doing and get better each day. Sophomore Myla Taylor is one of the many students who enjoy having one of his classes. 

     “He takes time to help us with whatever we are stuck on, we always have something to keep us busy in his class,” Taylor said.  “He’ll talk to us and ask if we need help with anything, and if we’re struggling with something, we can come to him.”

     Ashley said he decided to become a coach because of the positive influence his coaches had on him as a player and the life lessons he learned from playing football. Not only does he balance his time between coaching and being a teacher, but he also always finds time to spend time with his kids. He has had an impact on many players, junior Rhett Boyd being one of them. 

     “Coach Ashley has the best drive and willingness to win out of all the coaches we have had before,” Boyd said. “He has majorly affected our football team, from pushing us to be better young men and helping us strive to be better players.”

     Ashley said he feels rewarded when he sees his students figure out what they want out of life and start to achieve their goals. He had advice for anyone planning to go into the teaching field, acknowledging it is not an easy career.

     “Building relationships that last and coaching kids hard, but always love them up,” Ashley said. “Always demand excellence on the field and in the classroom, too.”