Hall of Fame

Ashley Preston

Ashley Preston

  • Class
    2008
  • Induction
    2023
  • Sport(s)
    Volleyball
Ashley Preston is currently the Head Volleyball Coach of the University of New Orleans. A two time presenter for the American Volleyball Coaches Association Ashley is passionate about helping women believe they could be successful coaches in the industry and prides herself in cultivating culture within her program. 

The 2022 season saw Preston guide the privateers to a A 14-win turnaround from last season. Sheilah Purcell reached 1,000-digs who in 2021 was ranked 33rd in the nation in digs per set and the program had its best home start in program history and three Player of the Week honors. Off the court she is a part of the EmpowHer committee which is an initiative serving the women student-athletes of the University of New Orleans through providing additional scholarships, mentorship programming, and educational experiences through travel both locally and abroad.

In her first season, Preston coached two all-conference members: Sheilah Purcell and Sh'Diamond Holly. Purcell also achieved the third most digs per set in a season in program history.

Preston was most recently at Cal State Fullerton where she coached for five seasons. In 2021 Ashley was awarded California State University Fullerton Division of Student Affairs Staff of the Year and completed the California State University Fullerton Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Academy. She served on a number of committees including being the Head Coach Representative for the CSUF Athletics Equity Committee and was the Big West Conference Representative for the AVCA Division I Volleyball Head Coaches Committee. In 2019, Preston was Co-Coach of the Year in the Big West after leading the Titans to a six-win improvement from their 2018 campaign. Cal State Fullerton also finished in the top 25 nationally in digs per set with 17.44.

She coached Julia Crawford to a First Team  All-Big West selection and Savahna Costello to Big West honorable mention. Costello ranked 13th individually in digs per set with 5.31.

Prior to Cal State Fullerton, Preston spent three years as Coppin State where she guided the Eagles to 40 wins. In her first season with the Maryland-based school (2012), Preston led Coppin State to their first conference tournament appearance in six years. In 2013, Preston led the Eagles to a then school record for wins in a season.

A 2008 graduate from Morgan State University, Preston spent three seasons as an assistant between Morgan State and Loyola-Maryland. Her first year as a head coach when she guided Spelman College for the 2011 season. 

As a player, Preston was a three-time First Team All-MEAC selection and the school's record holder in total digs. Preston earned her bachelor's degree in telecommunications from Morgan State in 2008. She earned her master's in publications design from the University of Baltimore in 2011.

Explore HOF Explore Hall of Fame Members