Front Office Staff Spotlight: Getting to Know Ashley Cole

Front Office Staff Spotlight: Getting to Know Ashley Cole

Empire Strykers fans—have you ever wondered who it is behind the scenes making all these great things happen for the Strykers?

• Creating a fabulous game-day experience.
• Helping put a highly competitive team on the field while keeping the club engaged with the community.
• Encouraging kids and families to live fit and healthy lifestyles.
• Teaching soccer skills to the next generation through youth camps and clinics.

Well, that's your Empire Strykers front office staff, and we're excited to help you get to know them through a series of interviews about their role with the club, their passion for sports, and what it's like working behind the scenes for the Empire Strykers.

Getting to Know Ashley Cole

For the past three seasons, Ashley Cole has helped build the connection between the Empire Strykers and the communities that make the Inland Empire so special. As the club's Director of Community Relations, she works to create meaningful relationships, coordinate community events, and ensure the Strykers continue making an impact far beyond the soccer field.

Interestingly, Ashley's journey with the organization didn't begin in community relations.

"I was originally invited to interview to help the club's sponsorship department," she explained. "I have a strong background in networking, building business relationships, and connecting with the community."

Those strengths naturally translated into her current role, where every day brings new opportunities to connect with local organizations, schools, families, and fans.

"My day starts with checking emails and updating the club's community calendar," Ashley said. "From there, I coordinate staff and player appearances while making sure everyone knows about the upcoming community events throughout the week."

While much of her work happens behind the scenes, its impact is visible throughout the Inland Empire. From youth soccer clinics and school visits to festivals, nonprofit events, and community celebrations, Ashley helps ensure the Empire Strykers remain active and engaged year-round.

Her favorite part of the job is seeing the excitement the club brings to families throughout the region.

"I love the entertainment we get to bring to kids and families," she said. "It's especially fun watching people who have never experienced indoor soccer become fans of arena soccer."

When asked about her most memorable experience with the organization, one moment immediately stood out.

"Packing the arena with over 7,000 fans!" Ashley said. "The players deserve to see that level of support, and the fans deserve to feel like they belong to something bigger."

For Ashley, that atmosphere represents everything the Empire Strykers are working to build—not just a successful soccer club, but a community that comes together around the game.

She describes the culture of the organization with three simple words.

"Family, fun, and fast."

That same philosophy extends into every community event the club participates in.

"Community brings people together," Ashley explained. "The deeper the Strykers are involved within our communities, the more connected people become."

Although fans often see players signing autographs, interacting with children, or taking photos at events, they rarely see everything that goes into making those moments possible.

"Behind-the-scenes operations move just as fast as the ball during games!" she said.

Looking toward the future, Ashley believes soccer's popularity is only continuing to grow, and she's excited for what that means for both the club and the next generation of players.

"The soccer wave is here!" she said. "I'm excited to see the Strykers continue empowering more kids to get out, play, and fall in love with the game."

Before wrapping up, Ashley had one final message for the fans who continue supporting the club every season.

"Go Strykers! Thank you for your passion and encouragement of our players and club."

So now you've gotten to know Ashley Cole a little better. The next time you see her at a clinic, community event, or an Empire Strykers game, be sure to say hello!

For everything Empire Strykers—including season tickets, single-game tickets, official fan gear, the latest Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) news, and everything related to indoor soccer in the Inland Empire—visit www.theempirestrykers.com.

And don't forget to tune in to Soccer in 60 every Thursday afternoon on KMET 1490 ABC News & Sports Radio Inland Empire, where hosts J.R. and Tim bring you the latest news and stories from around the soccer world.