LYNN — Ashley Aldred has worn many hats during her time at Lynn English — physical education teacher, game day manager, powderpuff coach, and head softball coach, just to name a few. Now, she’s taking on her biggest role yet.
Aldred was officially hired as the new Athletic Director at Lynn English High School, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
“I am extremely excited to take over as Athletic Director,” Aldred said. “I have been immersed in athletics since I was in college and it’s something I have always had a passion for. I love being able to watch students be successful within and outside their respective sports.”
Over the years, Aldred has been involved in the Lynn English community serving as a physical education teacher, working with students of all ages in both general and adaptive physical education ranging from Pre-K to 22 years old within the special education department. Recently Aldred has been working in game-day operations during the winter sports season, helping with basketball and ice hockey, later expanding into soccer and football.
Aldred joined the softball program in the spring of 2017 as an assistant coach under Cara Crowley. She later took over as head coach in 2019 and led the program through the 2025 season, which included making the state tournament in 2023 for the first time since 1999.
While she’ll be stepping away from the diamond in her new role, Aldred said she’ll always cherish the memories and relationships built during her time in the dugout.
“I have had the privilege to coach some incredible young women over the years,” Aldred said. “Without them, the success within our softball programs would not have been possible. I’ve watched many of them grow into amazing young women — graduate college, become mothers, get married, become successful in their respective careers.”
Among the former players she highlighted was Rachel Calnan, a senior during Aldred’s first season in 2017 who later returned as an assistant coach in 2023 when the team made the state tournament. Aldred also mentioned Tommi Hill, a 2018 graduate who launched her own nonprofit, Love4Lynn, to give back to the community.
In addition to recognizing former players, Aldred praised her coaching staff for their work to help build the softball program.
“A huge shoutout to the coaching staff especially Shannon Sullivan, DJ Raymond, and Abby Fila who were my assistants the last two seasons,” Aldred said. “Along with former assistants Madison Molea, Samantha Earp, and Samantha Palczynski.”
Aldred credited several mentors and colleagues who helped prepare her for this transition, including Dick Newton and Gary Molea.
“Mentors Dickie Newton and Gary Molea have both helped shape me for this role,” Aldred said. “I’ve also had the privilege of working under many great leaders in the last eight years as a physical education teacher.”
While Aldred hadn’t initially considered the historical significance of her hiring, it’s something that quickly sunk in.
“I hadn’t even thought about being the first female athletic director until someone asked if I was,” Aldred said. “That within itself is an extremely exciting accomplishment which I hope paves the road for all the female students within the English and Lynn community to know that they can achieve these roles.”
As she steps into the new role, Aldred has her eyes on growth — not just in wins and losses, but in student participation and community pride.
“Increasing participation numbers across all sports — along with increasing numbers for our multicultural and female students — is a big goal,” Aldred said. “I also want to build back up the school spirit within sporting events and the overall school community. Overall, I want to be able to foster an atmosphere where all student-athletes will be able to gain the tools to be successful in all aspects of life through sports.”
