Ashley Raley-Ross becomes the third head coach in program history
Florida Tech Names Ashley Raley‑Ross as New Women’s Basketball Head Coach
In a move that’s already sparking excitement across campus, Florida Tech’s Athletic Director Jamie Joss announced that Ashley Raley‑Ross will steer the Panthers’ women’s hoops program from now on.
Why Ashley is the Right Fit
- Depth of Experience: From coaching boys to coaching girls, from the U.S. to Hong Kong, and even a stint in Croatia, Ashley has seen it all.
- Academic Focus: At Wofford College she recruited a roster of high‑achieving scholars, proving that smarts and slam dunks can go hand‑in‑hand.
- Holistic Development: She’s all about mental, emotional, and athletic growth—making sure each player feels supported on and off the court.
- Mentorship: Strong guidance from respected domestic and international coaches has sharpened Ashley’s coaching philosophy.
Who Ashley Is
After a hefty résumé that includes a head‑coach role at Johnson & Wales, assistant coaching at Wofford, and international gigs with C2Sports and ŽKK Trešnjevka, Ashley brings a winning blend of tactical know‑how and heart. She even helped a primary‑school team learn both basketball and English—proof she’s a pro at building skills and confidence in any setting.
Key Wins Behind Her
- Under her guidance at Wofford, the Terriers finished 39‑23, reached consecutive Southern Conference tournament semifinals, and earned back‑to‑back WNIT appearances.
- 2012‑23 saw Wofford win its first Southern Conference regular‑season title and record the program’s inaugural 20‑win season at Division I.
- In 2023‑24, the team set a new home‑win record (13‑2), snatched a historic win over ACC rival Virginia, and posted the school’s first triple‑double.
- Notable players she mentored include SoCon Player of the Year Rachael Rose and Freshman of the Year Evangelia Paulk.
What the Athletic Director Had to Say
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ashley as our next head coach,” Joss said. “Her dual‑gender coaching background and deep academic recruiting experience make her a unique asset for our program.”
Coach Headline Quote
“I’m both humbled and enthusiastic about stepping into this role,” Ashley told reporters. “A big thank‑you to President Dr. John Nicklow and Jamie Joss for their trust. I’m ready to build a culture of excellence on the hardwood and on the academic mic—focusing on unity, integrity, hard work, and resilience.”
Off‑court Notes
She earned a B.S. in Corporate Communications from Queens University in Charlotte—where she also played on the women’s basketball team. She’s married to Brandis, a former South Carolina player now on an overseas pro roster.
Where to Catch the News
Florida Tech will announce the official press arrangement at the Clemente Center Gym, Tuesday, April 15 at 1 p.m. Keep your eyes peeled—you’re about to witness a new chapter begin.