Ashley Hall still going strong in athletics
By David Shelton
Staff Writer
Charleston – It’s hard to imagine an Ashley Hall School without Franny Slay, and vice versa.
Slay attended Ashley Hall, an all girl’s school located in downtown Charleston, as a student from the time she started school until graduation. Later she returned to the school as a coach. She begins her 26th year as a coach and teacher at the school this fall.
As athletic director, Slay has guided the program to a high level. As the school’s volleyball coach, Slay has led Ashley Hall to numerous state championships and directs the program that is among the best in South Carolina at any level or classification.
“I’ve been here a long time because it’s a very special place and I really enjoy my job,” says Slay.
Like every other athletic director at a private institution, Slay worries about how the economic problems of the country will affect her school and athletic program. Entering the fall of 2010, Slay says things could be better, but most certainly could be worse.
“Our enrollment numbers are down, like everyone else’s, but not to the point where we are having major cuts,” says Slay. “We are fortunate that the ones we have here already are staying. We’re not getting as many transfers as we’ve had but we’re doing okay. We are, however, ready for things to improve.”
As athletic director, one of Slay’s jobs is to fill coaching vacancies. She spent plenty of time this summer working to fill an opening in girl’s basketball.
“We took most of the summer to find the right person, the right fit, because that is obviously an important position at this school,” said Slay. “We can’t announce anything just yet but we feel like we might have find the right person. I hope it all works out over the next week and we can release the name.”
Slay says the other members of the coaching staff will return this fall for the new year. She will return as the volleyball coach and is looking forward to the start of preseason practices.
Eva Baucom will be back for her second season as the girl’s soccer coach, taking over the program last November and turning in a great season in the spring.
Andrea Martin is the school’s golf coach and Mary Gastley is the girl’s tennis coach. Gail Bailey is the cross country coach and Maggie Laney directs the swimming program.
John Slepetz heads up the track program and was recently named the AAA girl’s track coach of the year by the High School Sports Report.
Cathy Swanson is the head of the sailing program, a team that has been undefeated in the last two years. Hillary Sadler is the coach of the equestrian team.
“Those two programs don’t get a lot of recognition because they basically have to go out of the area to compete, but both are very solid programs that enjoy a lot of success,” said Slay.
