Howdy!

Thank you for checking out Coached By Christ! My name is Ashley McDonough and I am a faithfully flawed child of God. My professional and personal background tell quite a story for someone teetering on the edge of 40 years old.

This “About Page” is 2 prongs:

1. Who am I and why is that relevant to sport?

2. Why did I feel called to start this site?

Who am I?

I am a passionate individual who has experienced a personal transformation through my faith in Christ. This journey inspired me to start Coached by Christ, a platform where I can combine my coaching expertise with my Christian values to help others find purpose, healing, and growth in their own lives.

With a background in advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as serving the homeless community through (former) Helping Houston's Homeless, I bring a wealth of experience in supporting and empowering individuals. Additionally, my years of coaching volleyball at the college, high school, middle school, and club levels have equipped me with valuable skills in leadership, mentorship, and team building.

In 2023, I completed my Christian Ministry graduate certificate through Liberty University to complement my MBA.

Why Coached By Christ?

After undergoing four volleyball-related surgeries between December 2020 and December of 2022, I had a chance to reflect on my career as a coach. Not only did my medical situation stifles me physically, but 3.5 years of (prescribed) drugs damaged my ability to think, speak, and be an effective leader. You try communicating effectively for 75 seconds (during a timeout) with a brain pumped full of Gabapentin and Amitriptyline. Thankfully I am finally on the mend.

I aim to find ways to bring out my athlete's best athletic, academic, and HUMAN potential (despite their spiritual background). Most importantly, aligning myself with the call to coach is imperative rather than just doing what "I think" is correct.

To be clear, Coached By Christ is not about me. It's about doing what's best and what's right by those WE, as leaders, are responsible for. In today's world, many Christian students and coaches are scared to be who they are because they don't want to offend anyone or risk being fired. I want to share what I'm learning in my spiritual journey in hopes that another coach, athletic administrator, or student-athlete (as a leader) can benefit. I hope the way I've been writing can relate to a broad audience without excluding anyone.

WOMEN IN COACHING

2023 Women's History Month FB Live Series with

co-hosts TSV and Ruth Nelson

Watch HERE

Hog Football Podcast

Listen in as I discuss college recruiting and the resurgence of Centenary College Football

Listen HERE

Competing for Christ Podcast

Join me and Ken Burke as I discuss my transition from Agnosticism to Christianity, mental health, and faith in athletics

Listen HERE