Magic Monday Alumnae Spotlight

It’s Magic Monday: March 1, 2021!

This month we honor a Woman of Mercy who says, “I am a proud Woman of Mercy! At Mercy, I learned important values that molded me into the person I am today and now have the amazing opportunity to pay it forward. The court is my classroom where I get to teach life lessons through the game of basketball. I coach with passion and integrity and I am committed to helping develop the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of my student-athletes — a few of the same values I was taught as a Mercy Girl! Meet Ashlee Courter Rogers ’99, head women’s basketball coach at Marymount University.

Name: Ashlee Courter Rogers ’99

Post Mercy Education:

B.A., Elementary Education, Psychology minor, Marymount University, 2003
M.S., Special Education, McDaniel College, 2006

Personal and Professional Achievements:

My family and I reside in Falls Church, Virginia. I am the proud mother of Georgia (16), Hugh (13), Andrew (5), & Luke (3). After Mercy, I attended Marymount University (MU) where I was a four-year member of the women’s basketball program. My college coach strongly encouraged me to pursue a career in coaching once I graduated and I am so glad I listened to him! I am currently in my 11th year as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at my alma mater and my 15th overall as a head coach at the DIII level. A fun fact is my husband, Chris, is the Men’s Basketball Coach at Marymount University as well. My professional career has blessed me with the opportunity to be a Co-Director of the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament held annually at MU. The Special Olympics athletes are so inspirational; it is a rewarding experience to be a part of such an impactful event.

Were there any Mercy faculty members who especially impacted your life? Why?

Many! Ms. Rose Clugh, Coach Mary Ella Franz Marion ’76, P ’09, Ms. Joanne Simmons, Mr. Ray Stoddard (RIP) , Sr. Marie Foley, RSM (RIP), Ms. Cindy Magruder, and Coach Louie Sowers are all phenomenal educators who positively impacted my experience at Mercy. The faculty and staff created a challenging learning environment that pushed me outside my comfort zone. At the same time, I felt supported by them and had a lot of fun along the way. The rigorous academics and the investment in my personal growth prepared me for life moving forward. As I reflect on the impact of these educators, I do not believe one of them contributed more than another; this speaks volumes to what Mercy is about. The committed members of the entire Mercy community are what turns a Mercy Girl into a Woman of Mercy. It is an investment on everyone’s part. I am truly grateful they invested themselves into helping me reach my potential.

What was your favorite Mercy memory?

Overall, I have very fond memories and an appreciation of the Mercy traditions. Specifically, I will share a favorite memory from my athletic career. I grew up playing soccer, basketball, and softball. It made sense to continue pursing these sports when I entered high school. My senior year I was invited to play volleyball by my good friend, Michelle Russell ’99. I had never played before. Michelle was a phenomenal setter who thought my height and athleticism could help provide some depth to our hitter position. I owe Michelle so much for talking me into trying out for the team. It was one of the best times of my life. My teammates and Coach Louie Sowers were an incredible support system. Taking home the Conference Championship that year made it even sweeter!