Celebrating 50 years of Division III athletics | Head Women's Basketball Coach and Former Viking Player Ashley White

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass. -- The Division III 50th anniversary campaign will mark significant moments in the division's past. It will also celebrate both current and former student-athletes and recognize the relationship the division shares with Special Olympics.  

Division III started Aug. 6, 1973, with 240 member schools and conferences. On Nov. 10, 1973, Ashland became the first Division III national champion by winning the inaugural men's cross country championship hosted by Wheaton (Illinois). 

Salem State athletics is profiling current women's basketball head coach and former Viking Ashley White '14 about her experiences as a Division III player and coach. A two-year starter, White played for the Vikings for three seasons. After serving as interim head coach for one season during the 2020 campaign, she was promoted to head women's basketball coach in July of 2021.     

How did being a DIII athlete prepare you for a post-playing career?

"Being a D3 athlete grew my competitive mentality to always want to get better and helped me learn time management; to be efficient and live a balanced life. A few years after graduating I knew I wanted to coach to stay heavily involved and give back to the game that helped shape me be who I am." 

Why did you choose to attend Salem State?

"I transferred to Salem State my freshman year because it just made the most sense for me being from Salem. It wasn't an easy transition at first.

What advice would you give athletes who aspire to become head coaches?

 "Enjoy watching film, ask lots of questions and always be willing to learn."  

What were some of the positive aspects of being a DIII athlete?

Most of my closest friends to this day, I met through Salem State athletics. I think staying local really helped me network and meet a lot of people in the area. The beauty of playing at DIII is having more balance in your life in addition to being a student-athlete.

Did you ever envision as a student that you would one day be coaching at Salem State?

It took me a few years after graduating to shift into a coaching mentality, but my love for the game has grown even more and I am grateful to be in the position I am today.