By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

“Getting to Know” is an ongoing series created to spotlight the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Southeast High School girls basketball coach Ashley Callihan, who is in her first season as the leader of the Pirates.

Q: Hometown?

A: Mogadore, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: Mogadore High School. Class of 2014. Played volleyball, basketball and softball.

Q: College?

A: Marietta College (2018 — health science degree) and Baldwin Wallace (2019 — Masters of Education).

Q: Current occupation?

A: Seventh grade science teacher at Southeast Middle School.

Q: What inspired you to be a coach?

A: Growing up as a player, I had some great coaches, who left a lasting, positive impact on my life. I hope to do the same for my players.

Q: What makes being a coach at Southeast special to you?

A: The amount of support from the community is something really special. This is a district filled with so many incredible students, families, staff and administration. I feel extremely fortunate to have the chance to get to know many of them these last few years.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence as a coach?

A: Craig Nettleton (Southeast) and Cheri Harrer (Baldwin Wallace). Both have taught me a lot about the game, what all goes into a successful program, but mostly showed me how to care for your players.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your playing days?

A: My senior year in high school, my coach (Tom Pollock) kicked us out of practice. The reason was for not playing well against a scout team he brought in frequently (consisting of our younger brothers and their friends — Andrew Barker and Zeddie Pollock always). It took us 30 minutes to convince coach Pollock to let us back in the gym to finish practice.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your coaching career?

A: In 2018, at the WBCA Coaches Clinic, I had an elevator ride with (WNBA star) A’ja Wilson. Unfortunately, it took me the whole elevator ride to confirm it was actually her, so I didn’t get to have a conversation with her.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Suits.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Friday Night Lights.

Q: Favorite musical artist?

A: Anything country.

Q: Favorite food?

A: Mexican (tacos).

Q: Best vacation?

A: Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: Brinkley (Harvey) Huth, Naomi Pollock, Grace Reilly.

Q: Favorite motto?

A: Always stay humble and kind.

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: I believe that coaches are called to develop student-athletes into all they can be. I want to put players in the best possible position to be successful, to allow them to play the game they love while being in pursuit of excellence both on and off the basketball court.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Barrio.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: Jen Ritch (ELA).

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of yourself?

A: Just be yourself and don’t worry what others think of you.

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Don Whitmer.

Q: Coaching resume?

A: Baldwin Wallace (graduate assistant and assistant coach), 3 years; Southeast High School (JV coach, varsity assistant), 2 years.

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: UNC Tarheels.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Candace Parker.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: Sabrina Ionescu.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Waitress.

Q: Family member that always gives you the best advice?

A: My mom and dad.

Q: Halloween costume last year?

A: A bee.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: Mario Kart.

Q: First car?

A: 2002 blue Honda Civic.

Q: Best friend?

A: Andrew Barker.

Q: Most memorable moment as a player?

A: Winning the district championship in basketball in 2013.