Ashley Woods Added to Hurricanes Volleyball Staff
April 26, 2011
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami volleyball head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch has named Ashley Woods as a new assistant coach for the Hurricanes volleyball program. Woods is set to begin her new role immediately.
Woods, a four-year letterwinner for the Hurricanes from 2004-08, comes to the Hurricanes coaching staff after spending a year with the Nova Southeastern University program during the 2010 campaign. During her season with the Sharks program, Woods assisted in a variety of coaching areas with the program.
“For a program that has only been in existence for 10 years, it is a special opportunity to be able to bring back a former player to the coaching staff,” stated Lantagne Welch. “Ashley is going to be a tremendous coach. Her familiarity with how we train; her work ethic; her passion for the University of Miami and our volleyball program; and her ability to connect with others and get the most out of those around her will allow her to flourish as our new assistant coach.”
Prior to arriving at NSU, Woods played professionally for a year with Club Voleibol in Benidorm, Spain – located by the western Mediterranean Sea. Woods scored 22 points to lead her team to victory and earn most valuable player honors vs. Madrid in the Permanencia finals. She also was named Player of the Week twice.
As a four-year letterwinner under head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch from 2005-08, Woods finished her career at UM seeing action in 367 sets through 117 matches. In 2008, she helped UM to its second-best season in Division I history – leading the Hurricanes to a 26-6 overall record and a 14-6 mark in the ACC. She also served as a captain for the Hurricanes on the year.
In addition, she was selected as co-winner of the 100% Award in 2006 – a distinction given annually by the UM coaching staff recognizing a student-athlete who exemplifies a dedication of 100 percent day-in and day-out.
“I am thrilled to be back at the `U’ working with such an incredible staff and a great group of players,” said Woods. “It is a dream come true to be able to give back to a program that I have the utmost respect for. Miami volleyball holds a special place in my heart, and I am confident and excited about the future.”
Woods graduated from the University of Miami with Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (with a focus in Sports Administration) in 2008. She minored in Business Administration, going on to achieve her Master of Science Degree in Education (with a focus in Sports Administration) in 2009.
Coming out of high school, Woods was named one of the top 70 players overall in the nation in the 2004 recruiting class by PrepVolleyball.com. She was regarded as one of the best blockers in the state of Texas coming out of Stony Point High School.
Prior to her time at NSU, Woods served as the Assistant Director of Operations and as a Volleyball Consultant with Athletic Republic. She also held the Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach title at Ransom Everglades High school and was a volleyball coach at All-American Volleyball Camps.
Ashley Woods still ranks amongst the top 10 in several UMiami categories – including tied for third in matches played (117), seventh in solo blocks (29), eighth in block assists (209), eighth in total blocks (238), ninth in kills (689) and ninth in points (825.5).
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