Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics

Coach Donnell joined the Cal Poly Humboldt (previously Humboldt State) Women's coaching staff in Fall 2011 under Robin Meiggs, the first year the program brought home an NCAA DII National title (Spring 2012).

In January 2024 Ashley Donnell was promoted to Associate Head Coach of the program.

Promoted to Associate Head Coach in January 2024, Ashley Donnell continues to play a key leadership role in the program's success.

During her time as a member of the coaching staff, the Lumberjacks have secured the National Championship three times: 2012, 2014, and 2023; the team has been National Runner up twice: 2025, 2026; the staff have been awarded CRCA Staff of the year: 2012, 2014, and 2023.

Coach Donnell and her Varsity 4+ had an D2 undefeated season and were National V4+ Champions in 2025. She led the 2024 V4+ to a 2nd place finish.

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, and most recently M2x 4th in 2026. Notably, Coach Donnell fundraised and  orchestrated the move of the men’s rowing team to the HBAC (Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center) next to the women’s team. 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.