Source: UA Media Relations

University of Alabama head women’s basketball coach Stephany Smith completed her staff with the hiring of Ashley McElhiney as the Director of Basketball Operations for the Crimson Tide.

“I am extremely excited to be adding Ashley to our staff,” said Smith. “I have always been impressed with her and hoped to have the opportunity to hire her.

"She is a very driven person with a positive demeanor and a true passion for the game of basketball. Having been a successful point guard in the SEC, she brings the type of knowledge and championship experience we want to have as a part of this program.”
McElhiney, a four-year letterwinning performer at Vanderbilt University (1999-2003), comes to the Tide after a one-year stint as the head coach of the Nashville Rhythm of the American Basketball Association.

She made history in that position serving as the first female head coach of a men’s professional basketball team. McElhiney guided the Rhythm to a 21-10 record and a berth in the ABA playoffs in their inaugural season.

“I am thrilled to be joining Stephany and the Crimson Tide,” said McElhiney. “It is truly a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to work at a University with the rich tradition of success of Alabama. It is exciting to be back in the SEC, and I look forward to being a part of such a talented and experienced staff.”

As a player at Vanderbilt, McElhiney helped guide the Commodores to a 94-36 record during her career including four appearances in the NCAA Tournament with two trips to a Regional final game. She also helped lead Vanderbilt to a pair of SEC Tournament championship games including capturing a title in 2002.

McElhiney ended her VU career as the program’s all-time leader in assists with 673. She led the SEC and ranked second in the nation as a senior handing out 7.46 assists per game. A two-time All-SEC selection, she was a finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award and Senior CLASS Award. She also finished with 1,093 points in her commodore career.