LYNN — English High Athletic Director Richard Newton has announced the hiring of Ashley Aldred as the school’s new varsity softball coach.
An Arlington native, Aldred replaces former Bulldogs coach Cara Crowley. Crowley spent two seasons (2017-2018) at the helm of the program.
Aldred played varsity softball at Arlington High, where she graduated in 2008. She continued her career at Division III Salem State. A former infielder/outfielder, Aldred helped lead the Vikings to MASCAC Championships in 2010 and 2012 (her senior season).
Aldred started her coaching career in 2013, when she served as an assistant to Steve Wall at Melrose High. In her four seasons as an assistant coach at Melrose, the Red Raiders qualified for the state tournament twice (consecutive appearances in 2015 and 2016). Aldred then joined Crowley’s staff at English and spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the Bulldogs.
“I was really excited,” Aldred said. “I know the girls that are coming back. We only won two games two years ago last year we didn’t win any. Being in a position where you know who the players are is a huge advantage. We’re going to be young. We have two seniors (Deveda Mai and Alyssa Nop). A big freshman class came to our sign-up meeting. I’m excited to work with them. We can’t go down from where we were last year. Hopefully we get a few wins and surprise some people.”
This marks her first appointment as a head coach.
“I’m really excited about that,” Aldred said. “It’s been a dream of mine since I started coaching. In 2013 I coached under Steve Wall at Melrose. He was an amazing coach. I learned a lot from him. Same with Cara. It’s going to be different when you sort of see things run the way you want.”
English is coming off a down year in 2018. The first step in ending that trend and turning the program around is building a team that can compete in the Northeastern Conference.
“We have most of the GBL teams, Revere, Salem and Classical twice in the regular season,” Aldred said. “Our two crossover games are Danvers and Gloucester. Those will definitely be our toughest competition. We still have to show up and play. I think we kind of got a good draw. It’ll be different next year with the GBL voted out and Revere leaving. I think we’ll do alright. It’s going to be a grind to push runs across and win games but I like our schedule.”
Aldred said the off the field responsibilities of being a student-athlete will also be a priority.
“I want them to prosper in all aspects of life,” Aldred said. “I want them to be good people and do well in their decision making. I definitely view myself as a players coach but when it’s time to work, it’s time to work.”
The Bulldogs held a brief sign-up meeting and 50 girls attended- a good sign moving forward as tryouts begin Monday. Although it’s a quick turnaround with the new season approaching swiftly, Aldred’s excited to get started.
“That’s a great number,” Aldred said. “Hopefully they all come out to tryouts. I talked to them about dedication and all that. We only graduated three seniors. I work the basketball games at English so I saw some of them play. The freshman class seems very athletic. I’m hoping they can bring it this spring for us.
“I’m excited. It’s a lot to get together quickly. I’m excited to get started. I’m a softball junkie. Hopefully the snow melts quickly and we can get outside sooner rather than later. We have two games with Tech we’re hoping to get in and a couple scrimmages. Hopefully the weather’s on our side and that’s my big concern. There’s only so much we can do inside.”