Danielle Jennings is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Moon Valley High School for AZPreps365.com

The track and field program at Moon Valley High School is more than a place to practice and compete. It’s a community shaped by a coach who believes her role goes far beyond the stopwatch. 

Ashley Fivecoat, now in her first year as head coach after serving as an assistant coach, has already made a lasting impression on her athletes. They describe her as supportive, determined and deeply invested in their lives on and off the track. 

“She is always there for us,” senior track and field athlete Ahmed Haji said. “Even if it’s something deeper than track, she makes it clear that we can go to her.”

That sense of trust has become a defining trait of the program. Junior track and field athlete Jah’laya Rowe said Fivecoat looks out for their “best interests on and off the track,” making sure they are improving — physically, mentally and emotionally.

Her journey back to Moon Valley adds another layer to her impact. She’s a former student and athlete at Moon Valley who didn’t see herself coming back to the school.

She began college pursuing physical therapy before realizing it wasn’t the right fit. Eventually through education classes and her love for writing, sparked by her time on Moon Valley’s school newspaper, she found her path. 

Graduating from Arizona State University, she teaches English, advises student activities and leads the track program, being fully involved in the same community that once shaped her. That connection fuels her motivation. She understands what it means to be in her athletes' shoes and she draws energy from their desire to improve. 

At the same time, she acknowledges challenges, especially a shift in motivation compared to when she was a student. Fivecoat recalls “larger, more dedicated teams in the past,” and now works to rebuild that culture — one where students are excited to show up and be a part of something bigger. Her coaching philosophy centers on consistency and preparation. 

The athletes repeatedly said one phrase she always emphasizes, “show up and stay consistent, no matter the circumstances.” Whether it’s a tough practice, a busy school week, or the pressure of an upcoming meet, she expects her team to approach each day with focus. She reinforces that mindset by reminding them how close they are to competition. 

“Three weeks out, two weeks out — she constantly reminds us to keep us motivated and locked in," Rowe said. 

She also pushes her athletes to treat practice like competition. Haji said that she encourages them to train the way they want to perform, building habits that translate to success. 

“She knows everybody’s full potential,” Haji said. “She wants them to reach it.”

Her impact is already being felt. For some athletes, their favorite memory wasn’t a race or winning, it was the moment they found out she would become head coach. It signaled a new chapter — one they believed would bring success and stronger team unity. 

Above all, she wants her athletes to understand that track is just one part of their lives. She said if she could give advice to her younger self, it would be simple.

“Keep looking forward,” Fivecoat said. “High school is not everything and there are bigger things ahead.”