NSUSharks.com Sits Down With Assistant VB Coach Ashley Woods

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. - Nova Southeastern University assistant volleyball coach Ashley Woods recently sat down with NSUSharks.com for a quick question and answer session.

Q: What does it mean for you coming back to South Florida?
A: I've been coaching in this community for a while now, and it's where I spent almost half of my career playing. The support from both fans and kids I've coached has really been tremendous. I've tried my best to give back to the South Florida volleyball family and it's so wonderful to continue my relationship with those people.

Q: Do you plan to make any noticeable changes in the volleyball program?
A: I really just want to learn our system and provide a fresh perspective. Two areas that I really want to focus on are blocking and attacking. As a right side, I had to go up against a lot of great outside hitters, and I had to be really efficient as a hitter myself. If I can get our outsides and opposites to pick up on defensive schemes and block really well, then we can be really successful.

Q: What is your main focus coming into the season?
A: I want to thoroughly prepare for our opponent each week. I want them to know who they are playing inside and out and go after their weaknesses. This was something that was done extremely well for me at the professional and collegiate level and I want to bring those techniques to this team.

Q: How does Division I compare to Division II?
A: I think there is more of an emphasis on floor defense. Usually hitters are smaller in DII programs so we have to train them on how to hit "undiggable" balls and really use angles. As a defender, you have to be ready for anything. I was really impressed with the defensive effort by all teams at the UIndy tournament we played in. Some of those rallies were amazing to watch!

Q: Is it important to be able to relate to today’s student-athlete to be able to get an understanding of who you are dealing with?
A: Absolutely. As coaches we have to remember that they are students first and foremost. We are also training them to become great people as a whole. There is life after volleyball and we have to help them preapare for that. In my mind, if a coach can master the right mix of mentor, coach and leader, they are doing the right thing by their athletes. I want to be great at all three.

Q: How important is it to recruit in-state?
A: I think it's really important to give back to the community that supports us. If there is an out-of-state kid that we think will make a great fit, then we will definitely pursue her. However, we support the idea of allowing families to be able to watch their players compete and supporting our team. I remember when I played in college and high school and having my family in the stands was really special to me, especially at Miami where they couldn't watch as often.

Q: When you are not coaching what keeps you busy?
A: Recruiting! It takes a lot of work making phone calls, emailing and logging each prospective student athete's progress with us. I've been around the high school and club level for a long time and I enjoy interacting with players from that realm. When I'm not on official business, you can usually find me at the beach! I love all the sunny South Florida weather and there's plenty of sunshine year-round.

Q: When the dust settles and you finally have time for yourself, what is the first thing you are going to do for you?
A: Get some furniture for my living room and dining room! I can't wait to decorate!!!

Woods’ Favorites
Food: Paella! It originated in the area where I played professionally and I've had the best!
Cuisine: Cuban
Color: Coral
Sport outside of volleyball: Basketball
Professional Athlete: Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson
Destination: Tenerife, Canary Islands
TV Show: TrueBlood
Movie: 300
Type of Music: House
Book: Bridge to Terabithia



(nsusharks.com)