Courtesy of Coppin State Athletic Communications
BALTIMORE, Md. – Coppin State University has named Ashley Cook as its head softball coach; it was announced by Director of Athletics Derek Carter Thursday afternoon.
"I am thrilled that Ashley will be leading our softball program," Carter said "Her experience as a head coach at various levels, and ties to the local area, helped her stand out from a great group of candidates."
Cook is the 11th head coach in the history of the Eagles softball program and she inherits a team that has advanced to three straight MEAC Tournaments.
"I am very excited for the opportunity to be the head coach at Coppin State University," Cook said. "I am looking forward to working with our student-athletes and preparing them for a great spring."
Cook comes to Coppin State after serving a season as the head coach at Juniata College, a Div. III program in Huntingdon, Pa. In her lone season at the helm, Juniata increased its win total by four games and saw a pair of players earn All-Landmark Conference accolades, with one also receiving All-Region recognition. The offense really came to fruition as the team's batting average increased by over 30 points and the Eagles' home runs doubled.
Prior to Juniata, Cook was the head coach at Div. III Pine Manor College, where she also served as the school's Assistant Athletic Director, Co-Sports Information Director and Senior Woman's Administrator.
A native of Port Republic, Md., Cook's first head coaching job came at her alma mater, Bowie State. In her five seasons coaching the Bulldogs, Bowie State won 56 games and Cook was named the 2017 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to a share of the Northern Division Championship and a CIAA championship game appearance.
Cook played two seasons at Bowie State, where she was one of the nation's best hitters, collecting a .400 career batting average with 11 home runs and 77 RBIs while leading the Bulldogs to a pair of CIAA championships. In 2019, Cook hit .443 with nine home runs and 46 RBIs.
Graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Fine Arts, Cook is working on her Master's of Coaching and Athletic Administration degree from University of California, Irvine.