ARCATA, Calif. -- Cal Poly Humboldt Women's Rowing announced the promotion of
Ashley Donnell to Associate Head Coach of the program in January 2024. For the last 12 years, Donnell has served the team and department as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
"Ashley has shown incredible skill as a coach," stated head coach Matt Weise. "She has been leading our novice squad for a number of years and has always created a great environment for this group. I felt that her high skill, leadership ability and years of experience, earned both of these promotions. I have complete trust in her ability to create a great experience for our student athletes."
Coach Donnell joined the Cal Poly Humboldt (previously Humboldt State) Women's coaching staff in Fall 2011, the first year the program brought home an NCAA D-II National title (Spring 2012). During her time as a member of the coaching staff, the Lumberjacks have secured the National Championship twice more in 2014 and 2023. Humboldt also has appeared in the National Championships in 2015 and 2016.
"I am extremely grateful to be recognized with this promotion, and am excited to continue working alongside Coach Weise and building the Humboldt rowing legacy to take it to new heights. I aim to empower our student athletes to thrive in sport and all aspects of their lives."
In addition to serving as a Coach of the Cal Poly Humboldt Women's program, Donnell also began serving as the Head Coach of the Men's program in 2016. Since taking the helm, she has worked to build a competitive squad with the accomplishment of a second place finish in the men's double (2x) at the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) National Championships in 2019. In recognition of her leadership, Donnell received the Humboldt State Club Coach of the Year award in 2018. Donnell currently serves as the Faculty Advisor/Director of the Men's Rowing program, supervising 3 additional coaches.
In 2022, Donnell was selected and completed US Rowing's Level 3 High Performance Coach Certificate program.
Prior to joining the coaching staff, Donnell was a competitive member of the Humboldt program, competing from 2007-2011 and serving as team captain from 2008-2011. As a member of the team, she participated at the 2011 NCAA National championships. Donnell graduated from Humboldt State in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with an emphasis in Marine and a minor in Scientific Diving.
