The tradition shift at Ohio-based HBCU Central State College is actual—and it’s occurring quick. New head coach Tony Carter, a former NFL cornerback and Florida State standout, continues to stack a training workers that’s as numerous as it’s gifted. His newest transfer? Making historical past by hiring Ashley Cornwell as the primary feminine place coach in Central State soccer historical past.
A Trailblazer With Severe Credentials
Cornwell isn’t right here to verify a field—she’s right here to teach. Her résumé is as legit as anybody on the sphere. She began her profession on the College of Wisconsin, working throughout offense, protection, and particular groups. Whereas there, she helped recruit expertise that produced six NFL draft picks and 6 extra free-agent signees. Almost all of them are nonetheless enjoying within the league.
From there, Cornwell broke obstacles at Bucknell. In 2024, she turned the primary feminine coach in Bucknell soccer historical past. She began as an Assistant Offensive Line Coach and Run Recreation Analyst. By August, she was promoted to Interim Tight Ends Coach and In-Recreation Administration Coordinator.
Earlier than her most up-to-date cease at Bucknell, she was the Offensive Line Coach at Oberlin Faculty. However her affect stretches far past the school recreation. For 2 years, Cornwell coached within the NFL Worldwide Participant Pathway Program, serving to produce one draft choose (Travis Clayton) and 5 extra gamers who made NFL rosters as undrafted free brokers.
NFL Ties and a Teaching Mindset
Cornwell has additionally accomplished Invoice Walsh Range Fellowships with the Titans, Buccaneers, and Commanders. She’s been chosen for elite teaching packages, together with the NFL/NCAA Teaching Academy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Teaching Academy.
When she’s not teaching, she’s educating—actually. Cornwell has offered at nationwide teaching conventions just like the AFCA and the NCMFC, sharing her experience in go safety and run recreation philosophy.
Carter’s Imaginative and prescient for HBCU Central State
Her rent matches completely with Tony Carter’s daring imaginative and prescient for Central State’s HBCU soccer program. His workers already options Tremendous Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes as large receivers coach and former Michigan linebacker Mike McCray teaching the linebackers.
With a brand new workers, new vitality, and a brand new commonplace, Central State College’s HBCU soccer program isn’t simply seeking to compete. It’s seeking to make historical past.
