Ashli King

Hometown: Sterling, IL

Current Location: Springfield, IL

Tell us about your personal and professional journey.

During undergrad, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. Softball had been such a big part of my identity that I didn’t know what life would look like once my time as a student-athlete ended. After meeting with my coaching staff, led by Shannon Guthrie, they stated they could see me as a coach and encouraged me to pursue coaching at the college level and consider a master’s degree. I began shadowing the UIS coaching staff and helping with campus visits, which gave me a look into the recruiting side of coaching. I quickly realized I loved both coaching and the administrative work. I later applied to grad schools, was accepted to Western Illinois University, and earned a Graduate Assistant position with the softball program under Coach Holly Van Vlymen and Beth Wallace. Over those two years, I completed my master’s in Recreation, Parks, Tourism Administration, and confirmed that coaching was the career I wanted to pursue. After Western, I coached at a community college and another Division II program. When the UIS job posting was sent to me, it felt like a full-circle moment, the chance to return home to the program that shaped me, and I knew I wanted to take it.

Who or what has played a significant role in influencing or mentoring you?

My dad has been my biggest mentor throughout my life. He coached football at various high schools for years, even missing a two-a-day practice the day I was born (and he will never let me forget it). He eventually became the head football coach and athletic director at Sterling High School. Watching him coach showed me the kind of leader I wanted to be. He never treated players like just a number, he pushed them, cared about them, and invested in who they were as people. He could be tough at times, but his players always understood it came from wanting them to be their best on and off the field. His example is the standard I strive for in how I coach and how I build relationships with my own players.

What accomplishments or contributions are you most proud of—professionally or personally?

One accomplishment I am most proud of is getting my master’s degree. It has opened SOOOO many doors for me personally and professionally. It has allowed me to get a job in athletics and continue to do what I love daily.

What goals, projects, or aspirations are you excited about for the future?

I’m very satisfied with where I am professionally. I’ve had the opportunity to give back to a program that shaped me into the person I am today, both personally and professionally, in ways I never anticipated. I am excited to see what the future holds for UIS Athletics and UIS Softball as they continue to grow!

What advice would you share with other emerging professionals who want to make an impact in their field or community?

Advice I’d give to another emerging professional is to choose a path you genuinely enjoy. Your career shouldn’t just feel like a job, it should be something that makes you excited to get up in the morning. It’s okay if it challenges you; that growth will push you both personally and professionally. Just make sure you truly enjoy the work you’re doing and build a strong community around you to support you through the good and bad times

Outside of work, what activities, interests, or passions keep you inspired and grounded?

Outside of work, my happy place is our family cabin in Northern Wisconsin. It’s where I disconnect, recharge, and reset so I can show up as my best self as a coach. I also love spending time with family and friends (and their pets). Dogs are my favorite thing ever, and I’ll gladly play with, walk, or take care of any dog that crosses my path. I had the best pup ever, a Chocolate Lab named Tucker, who recently passed and I know will always be my guardian angel.