Ashly Kennedy

BIOGRAPHY

Christos FC, Baltimore MD, January 2022-present

As the Head Coach and Manager of the Christos Women’s USLW team since 2022, I have successfully developed and led a semi-professional soccer team competing in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences. I identified and recruited top collegiate talent from the DMV area, assembling a team of players with exceptional collegiate soccer careers. Under my leadership, the team progressed from seasonal conference play to a playoff run within one year. In the 2023 season, one of our players earned the Golden Boot, leading the nation in goals scored. The team achieved a 6-3-1 record in 2022 and a 9-4 record in 2023.

· Game Day Management- Manage all aspects of game-day operations, including organizing training sessions, facilitating practices, and coordinating game-day logistics through Module 11 and DMR match reports, including, roster selections and player identification through game day match play.

· Communication and Instruction- Dedicated to player development, offering detailed feedback, tactical instruction, and specialized skill training to enhance individual performance and team success. I also conduct video analysis to evaluate player profiles, actions, and tactical competence, ensuring our players are well-prepared and continuously improving.

Archbishop Spalding High School, Severn, MD, March 2013 - present

Girls’ Varsity Head Coach

The team is consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the nation according to the United Coaches Soccer organization. Inherited and recruited student-athletes that would help make the program better. Went from an average regional ranking in 2013 when I inherited the program to a nationally ranked high school program according to United Coaches Soccer Association and US Today High School Rankings. We have been ranked 5 times as a top 10 team in the country. Further, I consistently placed student-athletes in collegiate programs.

Team Achievements – As a high school soccer coach, I have accumulated an impressive overall record of 119-43-21, consistently building competitive teams that achieve both individual and collective success. Highlights include winning the IAAM “A” Conference Championship in 2016, during which we were ranked #1 in the country for three consecutive weeks and broke McDonogh's 36-game winning streak. In 2017, we were ranked #1 nationally for nine consecutive weeks, going undefeated in conference play with a 6-0-1 record. That season, we led the conference with 26 goals, conceded only one goal in conference play, amassed 10 shutouts, and had an 11-game unbeaten streak. My teams have advanced to the conference championships 9 times in 12 seasons. Recent accomplishments include the 2024 season, where we turned a challenging start (4-7-2) into a championship-winning campaign. After entering the playoffs in fifth place, we demonstrated remarkable resilience and secured the IAAM “A” Conference Championship.

·Professional Recognition – I earned NSCAA High School Regional Coach of the Year Award in 2016; earned Maryland High School Coach of the Year Award in 2016, 2019, and 2024.

Player Wellness Program – I annually develop and maintain a comprehensive wellness program designed to focus on injury prevention and optimize peak performance for athletes. This program includes a structured periodization plan that integrates nutritional program management alongside aerobic and anaerobic activities, ensuring players are physically prepared and able to perform at their highest level throughout the season.

Player Leadership Program – Each year, I guide players to actively participate in outreach programs that emphasize the importance of off-the-field leadership. These initiatives include involvement in cancer walks, attendance at student leadership conferences hosted by Archbishop Spalding, and completing community service hours. Through these programs, players develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the soccer field. Further, I hold an off-season leadership counsel group to prepare and build for mindful ideas and skills to involve players in team and character development.

Bethesda Soccer Club, Bethesda, MD, December 2007 - 2018

Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Girls’ Head Coach

As an ECNL coach, I was responsible for enhancing the developmental experience of top female athletes by creating a high-level training environment that fosters growth and performance. I oversee the identification and recruitment of elite female soccer players through a systematic scouting and evaluation program, utilizing local and regional competitions to assess talent. My role was focused on providing players with the tools and opportunities to maximize their potential and compete at the highest levels of the game.

Team Achievements –

· 2000-2013: Achieved first place in the ECNL Conference for two consecutive years, competed at ECNL Nationals, earning the #1 seed in the top flight with only 32 teams nationwide, committed 12 athletes to NCAA Division 1 colleges.

· 2016-2017 Season: Coached two Youth National Team players, including one still competing in Youth World Cup competitions, finished the season ranked #19 in the nation, competed at ECNL Nationals in the top flight with the top 32 teams in the country, committed the entire team to NCAA Division 1 colleges.

Club Collaboration – As a club, we consistently competed in top showcases across the country, spanning from Region 1 to Region 4, providing our players with premier opportunities to showcase their talents. Each season, both in the spring and fall, we have 3-4 players per age group placed in local US National Training Centers, further demonstrating our commitment to developing elite-level talent and providing them with exposure to national training programs. These experiences help our players gain valuable skills and visibility, contributing to their growth and advancement in the soccer community.

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, August 2008 – March 2013

Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach

I assisted in developing and facilitating daily training regimens for student-athletes, ensuring that each session was tailored to enhance their skills and performance. Additionally, I was responsible for recruiting potential high school and junior college athletes, identifying talent that would contribute to the team's success. I also organized and directed various programs, including summer camps, clinics, masters programs, and individual lessons, providing opportunities for athletes to improve and advance their soccer abilities in a supportive environment.

· Player Honors – One All-American, Three All-Region, Ten All CAA & One All-Rookie CAA honored.

· NCAA Compliance Management – Provide leadership meetings, college recruitment and NCAA eligibility seminars for prospective student-athletes. Monitored current player NCAA compliance.