July 31, 2013
LEXINGTON, Ky. – After a successful career competing and coaching for the Murray State rifle program, Ashley Rose has been named Kentucky’s newest assistant coach, it was announced by UK head coach Harry Mullins.
“I am really excited to join coach Mullins’ staff here at Kentucky,” Rose said. “It is a great opportunity to learn from a wonderful program with a rich tradition. Being from Kentucky, it is also a great chance to grow professionally while being close to home. I’ve known Harry since I was in the eighth grade and it is wonderful to get to continue that relationship while helping UK’s student-athletes. I really appreciate Mitch Barnhart, Joe Sharpe and the UK athletics administration for their continued support of the program and welcoming me into the UK family.”
Rose, a native of Eubank, Ky., joins UK’s staff after spending a season as the assistant coach for her Alma matter during the 2012-13 season. She also worked with the Civilian Marksmanship Program following the season.
“We are excited to welcome Ashley into our program,” Mullins said. “She will continue to bring a tremendous amount of skills to our program and follows in a great legacy of assistant coaches in Stacy (Underwood) and Amy (Sowash). It is a great opportunity for our student athletes to have had the opportunity to work with some of the best up-and-coming coaches in our sport.”
Rose will have a bevy of responsibilities with the Wildcats, including assisting in the day-to-day management of the program. Rose will work directly with UK’s student-athletes as UK’s full-time assistant coach, in addition to coordinating practice plans, match travel, equipment and facility management, event operations, and daily logistical procedures.
“We are so thankful to Mitch Barnhart, Joe Sharpe and the athletics department for the continued support of our program,” Mullins said. “We are so fortunate to have an athletics administration that is committed to providing our student-athletes every opportunity to reach their goals and having a full-time assistant coach is another great example of that commitment.”
Rose earned her undergraduate degree from Murray State in political science, before earning her master’s degree in human development and leadership, with an emphasis in student affairs. While at Murray State, Rose earned Ohio Valley Conference honors.
“One of the cornerstones of our program is to consistently give our student-athletes the best instruction and support system in the nation. Adding Ashley to our staff brings a diversity of experience and skill sets, and a great philosophy and knowledge system. She worked with and was coached by a tremendous leader in (Murray State) coach (Alan) Lollar. She has a great work ethic, is dedicated and focused on achieving her goals. She has great skills sets that will help us achieve our goal of being in the championship unit year in and year out.”
Rose will take over assistant coaching duties from former Kentucky star Amy Sowash, who spent the 2012-13 season working with the UK program. Sowash will return to be a resident at the USA Olympic Training Center in Colorado.
Kentucky finished the 2013 season with a runner-up finish at the NCAA Championships, UK’s second consecutive second-place finish. UK won the Great American Rifle Conference regular-season championship and finished second at the GARC Championships.
