Shay Ashford was named Head Volleyball Coach at Mississippi Valley State University in 2026, bringing 16 years of coaching experience and an extensive background in student-athlete development, leadership and program building.
A native of Mississippi, Ashford enjoyed a decorated athletic career at Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi, where she excelled in volleyball and basketball. As an outside hitter and setter for the Golden Wave volleyball program, she was named the Gatorade Mississippi Volleyball Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003. She also earned All-State honors in both seasons.
Ashford helped lead Tupelo to the 2002 Mississippi High School Activities Association State Volleyball Championship. She was also a member of Tupelo’s 2001 MHSAA State Basketball Championship team.
Following her high school career, Ashford competed in women’s basketball at the University of North Alabama as a small forward. During her collegiate career, she tied the school record at the time for the most three-pointers made in a single game with eight.
Ashford earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from the University of North Alabama in 2008. She later earned a master’s degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Texas in 2019.
Before joining Mississippi Valley State, Ashford served as the Head Volleyball Coach at Amory High School from 2021 to 2026. Under her leadership, the Panthers qualified for the MHSAA playoffs in each of her five seasons while developing a program culture centered on discipline, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
Throughout her coaching career, Ashford has earned a reputation for building meaningful relationships, developing competitive team cultures and creating environments in which student-athletes are challenged to reach their full potential.
Her coaching philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, accountability and resilience. She believes championship programs are built through trust, consistency and a relentless commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
