VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova women's soccer head coach Samar Azem has announced the addition of Ashleigh Ellenwood to her staff as an assistant coach.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Ashleigh to our program and to Villanova University," Azem said. "I am grateful for the individuals over the last year who stepped in and helped us get our program on its feet.  We now connect the last few pieces to the puzzle as we shift from standing to rising."
 
Ellenwood comes to the Main Line after serving as a volunteer coach with the women's soccer team at the University of Alabama over the last year. She previously played for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League and was a striker for the University of Arkansas.
 
"I am excited and honored to join Villanova University women's soccer program," Ellenwood said. "Villanova has one of the top athletic departments across the country and is committed to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience while competing at the highest level of athletics. I'm looking forward to getting started."
 
The Michigan City, Ind. native also spent three seasons as the assistant coach for Lewis University from 2016-18. The Flyers recorded 23 wins during her tenure and made it to the 2018 Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament.
 
Ellenwood was a standout at Arkansas, finishing her career in 2015 as the program's fourth-best all-time goal scorer with 30 goals scored in four years. She concluded her senior season ranked second in Razorback history for game-winning goals (10), second all-time in assists (23) and third all-time in career points (83). At Arkansas, she was a two-time SEC honoree, a CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District 6 First Time selection and an Academic All-American. Ellenwood was the first player in Arkansas history to be drafted to the NWSL when she was selected in 2016, competing with the Chicago Red Stars in 2016 and 2017. In 2014, she was one of just 24 players to attend the U.S. National Team Camp in Seattle.
 
"We spent a lot of time getting to know Ashleigh and it was clear how passionate she is about coaching, competing, winning, and people.  Ashleigh has been successful in every aspect of her career, as a youth player, as a collegiate player, a professional player, and as a coach, most recently making a stop at the Final Four and an SEC Championship," Azem said. "She knows the value of developing players, developing standards, and the hard work and commitment that goes into creating a program with sustainable success on and off the field.
 
"We have a staff of exceptional coaches, and even better people, to join our amazing support and extended staff.  We believe it 'takes a village' and our Villanova women's soccer village is one I am exceptionally proud to put our team and recruits around."