Former University of Florida lacrosse All-American
Ashley Bruns joined the Longwood lacrosse program in August, 2014.
Bruns, who owns Florida's all-time points and assists records, joined the Longwood staff after previously serving as assistant coach at Campbell. She will assist with all aspects of coaching in her role on Jones' staff.
"I'm excited to welcome Ashley to our Longwood lacrosse staff," said Longwood head coach Elaine Jones. "She already has a year of college coaching under her belt and brings a wealth of experience from an outstanding playing career at the University of Florida. I'm confident that her extensive knowledge of the game, high level of competitiveness, and her abundant enthusiasm for working with student-athletes will fit in well with both the academic and athletic philosophies and goals of our program."
Bruns began her coaching career as an assistant at Campbell for the 2013-14 season following a decorated four-year playing career at Florida. In addition to serving as Campbell's offensive coordinator, she was involved with all aspects of coaching, including recruiting, player development, in-game coaching, practice preparation, academic support, fundraising and community service organization.
"I am very excited and honored to join the Longwood family," Bruns said. "This job is a terrific opportunity, and I could not be more thankful and grateful for coach Jones adding me to such a great staff. I look forward to the challenge of continuing to build Longwood into a championship-caliber program. I want lacrosse to be a significant point of pride for the university."
A native of Ellicott City, Md., Bruns was a four-year letterwinner at Florida and left her mark as the program's all-time leader in points (283) and assists (94) and was the school's second-leading goal scorer (189). As a senior in 2013, she was the fulcrum of the nation's fifth-ranked scoring offense and led the Gators to an 18-3 record, their third consecutive American Lacrosse Conference title and a trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals.
At Florida, Bruns collected IWLCA All-South Region and All-ALC honors twice after being named National Rookie of the Year and ALC Rookie of the Year in 2010. She went on to help guide the Gators to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, moving on to the national quarterfinals in 2011 and 2013 and the semifinals in 2012. She was also an accomplished student-athlete, earning SEC and ALC Academic Honor Roll honors all four years.
"At the University of Florida, I learned what it takes to compete at a high level and win championships," Bruns said. "My goal here at Longwood is to use my knowledge and that experience to develop our players into successful students and athletes. Again, I'd like to thank coach Jones and director of athletics
Troy Austin for showing confidence in my coaching abilities and allowing me the opportunity to help take Longwood lacrosse to the next level."
Bruns' coaching experience dates back to her days at Florida and as a prep standout in Maryland. She was an instructor at the University of Florida's annual summer and winter lacrosse camps from 2011-13 and an assistant coach at the M&D Lacrosse Club in Ellicott City, Md., during the summers of 2008-11.
Bruns has also been involved with several community service programs, including Kids on the Run and the Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla. She received her B.A. in history with a minor in communications from Florida in 2013.
