Ashelyn Cornelius

Joining the Lightridge High School Girls Soccer program in August 2026, Coach Cornelius will serve as the  Junior Varsity Assistant Coach.

Prior to teaching and coaching, Coach Cornelius played soccer for twelve years both at the club and high school levels. During her time playing with Century Soccer Club in the Girls Academy platform, she was able to compete in various states and trained under several experienced coaches. This built her knowledge of the game and lifelong love for the sport.  Her youth career led to a commitment to play NCAA Division III soccer at Westminster College. Unfortunately, her time as a collegiate athlete was cut short with the decision to retire after suffering two ACL injuries.

Soccer has been such a big part of Coach Cornelius's life for so long. She loves watching the college soccer games both in person and on television. She especially enjoys supporting Pitt, since she grew up playing alongside some of their players.  She knew once she got a teaching job that she wanted to be a part of the sport again and is excited to be returning to the beautiful game.

Coach Cornelius's goal for all her players is to love the sport but also to love themselves. Through clear communication and encouragement to all players, she aims to help build their confidence, perseverance, and love for the sport.  As an athlete it is so easy to make the sport a big part of your identity, but it is important to keep in mind that you are so much more than the sport.

The Pittsburgh, PA native currently also serves as an Exceptional Education Teacher at Lightridge High School.

Coach Rutan on the Hiring of Coach Cornelius

"We are so excited to have Coach Cornelius join our coaching staff and faculty here at Lightridge High School. It so valuable having another teacher in the building who can be accessible & present for our student athletes, which is at the core of Coach Cornelius's coaching philosophy. In our short time, it is clear that each player's experience within the game itself and balancing the demands of being a student-athlete are at the forefront. Through her own journey and understanding of the game, we are confident that Coach Cornelius will have a positive impact on the development of our Junior Varsity athletes for years to come."