Ashley Flavin

“Athletes are humans first. When we connect with the person, we unlock the athlete.”

When I was first named Head Coach in 2017, I had no idea of what a coach TRULY does. My first 2 years were learning as I go and barely keeping my head above water. Through time, trial and error, and an amazing support system I was able to hone my craft and build a National Championship program. My goal is to help other coaches learn from my mistakes as well as my successes. I believe that just because it has always been done a certain way, that doesn't mean it always should. If it's not broke then BREAK IT! Build something better!

Coaching is about connection and collaboration to unlock potential and empower athletes to push through barriers. Athletes are individuals. Every athlete learns differently, has different intrinsic motivations, and different life experiences. I must meet each person where they are, strive to understand them, and provide coaching that is meaningful to each individual. Success is collaborative. As a coach it is important that I lead by using informed decisions. Performance-related decisions should be made in collaboration with strength & conditioning, nutrition, and sports psych, and the athletes themselves. I invite questions for understanding and growth. Administrative staff, venue managers and other stakeholders are vital to the success of the team. Their thoughts and opinions should be sought out and treated with respect. Results are intentional. Organization, strategy, and accountability are not just the keys to success, but the hallmark of it. Decisions cannot be made arbitrarily. Having training plans & competition schedules should be data informed. I must adapt and change if what I am doing is not working, and I should be clear with my athletes as to why changes are being made. Team is priority. While wrestling is an individual sport, success does not occur in a silo. Athletes need each other to improve. One person does not have all the answers. Fostering unity by emphasizing TEAM and treating athletes equitably is vital to success. Excellence comes through small disciplines. Holding athletes accountable in small disciplines is often where the greatest growth will be seen. Holding myself accountable and modeling those disciplines means more than dictating standards. No one too good for discipline. Timing is paramount. The right tool at the wrong time is the wrong tool. There is a time to focus on process and a time to focus on results. Where we are in the season may determine if focus is open or dedicated towards specific athletes. Open communication on timing and expectations will help athletes understand coaching decisions and stay bought into the process.

• As a coach:
• 4-time National Duals Champions
• 2x NAIA National Champions
• 78 All- Americans
• 10 National Champions
• 2 Senior National Team Members
• 1 Senior World Team Member
• U20 Pan-Am Gold Medalist
• First female coach to win a collegiate national title of any kind
• First female coach to achieve 100 dual wins
• 4-time NWCA Scholar National Champions
• 2x U15 Pan-Am Coach
• U23 World Team Coach
• U20 World Team Coach
• NWCA Coach of the Year
• NAIA Coach of the Year
• 3x Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year
• NWCA Trailblazer Award Recipient
• USA Wrestling Women's Wrestling Coach of the Year Nominee
• The Open Mat Coach of the Year

• Head Coach | Women's Wrestling | Life University Current