"The candidate pool was strong, but Ashley presented a strategic plan for growing the women's wrestling program that went far beyond just the wrestling mats," said Pendergast. "Her focus on academics and her plan for all of the other fundamental aspects of growing a sport program was key to this decision. In addition, Ashley has many notable wrestling achievements that will carry through to our student-athletes. I am very excited to watch Ashley grow this program and be a part of our department."
Prior to coming to Life, Sword-Buster served as an assistant coach with both the Team New York Junior National Team in 2003 and Team Texas Junior National Team in 2004 and 2006.
"I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as the head coach of Life University's women's wrestling program," said Sword-Buster. "Since the program began three years ago, Coach David Mathews laid a solid foundation that I am eager to continue building on as we push to become the number one team in the country on the mat and academically."
As a wrestler, Sword-Buster was extremely successful. She qualified the 72 kilogram weight class for Team USA to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and was a resident athlete at the U.S. Olympic Training Center from 2003-2007. Sword-Buster was a member of the Senior National Team in 2005. In 2007, she was a bronze medalist at the Pan American Championships. In addition, she also was a two-time bronze medalist at the USA Senior Nationals. She was a 10-time All-American in her career. Sword-Buster was also a two-time University National Champion (2005, 2007).
While competing at Oklahoma City University, she was WCWA National Runner Up in 2008, and was named Outstanding Wrestler at the NCWA National Duals that same year.
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