Central State University coach Tony Carter told the Charlotte Observer he’s proud of assembling the most diverse and talented football coaching staff the school has ever seen, including hiring the university’s first female position coach.
Ashley Cornwell is the tight ends and assistant special teams coach for the Marauders, and before coming on as the first female coach at the university, Cornwell worked at the University of Wisconsin, Oberlin College and Bucknell. Cornwell also coached in the NFL International Player Pathway Program.
Central State University coach Tony Carter told the Charlotte Observer he’s proud of assembling the most diverse and talented football coaching staff the school has ever seen, including hiring the university’s first female position coach.
Ashley Cornwell is the tight ends and assistant special teams coach for the Marauders, and before coming on as the first female coach at the university, Cornwell worked at the University of Wisconsin, Oberlin College and Bucknell. Cornwell also coached in the NFL International Player Pathway Program.
With a lengthy coaching resume already building, Cornwell is used to breaking barriers. She was also the first female coach to be hired at Bucknell University and she was the first female coach in the entire Patriots League.
Head coach Carter said that Cornwell’s addition was “more than just a personnel move – it was a statement.”
According to Sports Illustrated, the new coaching staff at Central State University combines NFL experience with long-tenured college coaching talent and fresh perspectives. The team is rounded out with Santonio Holmes working as the wide receivers coach and Mike McCray working as the linebackers coach.
Cornwell is not content to be hidden behind the sidelines, she is also teaching and taking every opportunity to share her expertise. She has presented at the AFCA and the NCMFC, leading seminars on pass protection and run-game philosophy. She won the Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship and participated in the NFL/NCAA Coaching Academy as well as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Academy.
Sports Illustrated reported that Cornwell’s ability to teach complex football concepts to players with varying levels of experience has been noted as one of her greatest strengths, and she’ll use those strengths to her advantage as Central State University prepares to kick off the 2025 football season.
