When you grow up with basketball royalty in your blood, greatness isn’t a dream—it’s an expectation.
For Ashton Feldhaus, that legacy is now hers to lead.
At just 30 years old, Feldhaus has become the youngest Division I head coach in the nation, taking over the Morehead State University women’s basketball program. Her journey from Madison Central High School star to one of college basketball’s fastest-rising young coaches has been nothing short of remarkable.
A Last Name That Defines Kentucky Basketball
In Kentucky, the Feldhaus name carries serious weight.
• Allen Feldhaus Sr. played for the legendary Adolph Rupp at Kentucky from 1958–62 and went on to coach high school basketball for nearly three decades before his passing in 2017.
• Allen Feldhaus Jr., Ashton’s father, followed in his footsteps—playing for his dad at Mason County, coaching Madison Central for 28 seasons, and winning a state championship in 2013.
• Willie Feldhaus and Deron Feldhaus, Ashton’s uncles, also left their marks—Willie as a respected high school coach and Deron as one of “The Unforgettables” who helped resurrect Kentucky basketball under Rick Pitino.
Now, Ashton is writing the next chapter of that story.
From Player to Prodigy Coach
Growing up, Ashton didn’t just love basketball—she lived it.
“After school I had two options: go to the gym where my dad coached basketball or go where my mom coached cheerleading,” she said. “I couldn’t see myself cheering. Basketball was it for me.”
She dominated at Madison Central, winning two 11th Region titles before playing collegiately at Butler and Tennessee-Martin. But even then, her goal was clear.
“In fifth grade, I said I wanted to be the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols,” she said. “Dad told me, ‘If you want to make money, don’t coach high school.’”
So she didn’t.
Learning the Game the Hard Way—and the Right Way
Feldhaus spent five years at Eckerd College in Florida as associate head coach under Paul Honsinger, helping lead the program to five straight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances and a stunning 91-28 record.
“In Division II, you do everything,” she said. “It’s the best way to learn.”
Her success at Eckerd launched her into a head coaching position at Missouri Western, where she led the Griffons to a 20-win season and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2024–25.
“I loved Missouri Western. I didn’t think I’d leave,” she said. “But when Morehead called, I knew this was the job I wanted.”
Returning Home—and Making History
Morehead State Athletic Director Kelly Wells called her during the NCAA tournament. One interview later, she had the job.
Now, Feldhaus is preparing to lead the Eagles into a season-opening showdown at Kentucky on Nov. 3, followed by a matchup at Louisville on Nov. 19—a gauntlet few young coaches would welcome, but one she embraces.
“I didn’t schedule those games, but they’re incredible experiences for our players,” she said. “We want to compete against the best.”
Her roster includes 10 international players, and she’s already building a reputation for energy, relatability, and an “old-school” toughness that runs deep in the Feldhaus DNA.
“I was ejected in my ninth game last year,” she laughed. “So yes, that intensity runs in the family.”
“Kentucky’s Kam Williams: From Overlooked Transfer to NBA Draft Darling”
When Kam Williams committed to Kentucky out of the transfer portal last spring, few fans even noticed. Now, the former Tulane standout is being mentioned in 2026 NBA mock drafts as a potential first-round pick.
So what changed?
According to Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, everything.
“He shoots it. He’s long. And he’s just an incredible person,” Pope said. “Kam and his family are the kind of people you root for.”
Williams started 28 of 33 games last year for Tulane, averaging double figures and shooting 41% from beyond the arc—numbers Pope believes will skyrocket at Kentucky.
“It’s a big jump going from Tulane to Kentucky,” Pope said. “But this competition is exactly what he needs. He’s got insane upside.”
“What’s Wrong With Kentucky Football? Experts Sound Off on Offensive Collapse”
Kentucky’s 35–14 loss to Georgia wasn’t just another defeat—it was a wake-up call.
Now 2–3 overall and 0–3 in SEC play, the Wildcats are in serious danger of missing a bowl game for the second straight season.
“This team’s margin for error is tiny,” ESPN’s Jesse Palmer said. “Turnovers, penalties, missed field goals—you can’t survive that in the SEC.”
Palmer believes the deeper issue lies in Kentucky’s lack of continuity at quarterback and offensive coordinator.
“They keep bringing in transfer quarterbacks who only stay one year,” he said. “And when you combine that with constant changes at offensive coordinator, there’s no rhythm.”
Even Palmer—usually optimistic—expressed sympathy for head coach Mark Stoops.
“He had Liam Coen, one of the best young offensive minds in football, twice,” Palmer said. “And both times, Coen left for the NFL after one year. That’s hard to recover from.”
Kentucky has now lost 10 of its last 11 SEC games. If something doesn’t change quickly, the Wildcats’ bowl streak will be nothing but a memory.
“Meet Josh Petersen: The Coaching Nomad Who Landed at Kentucky”
Few coaches have taken a path as unconventional—or inspiring—as Josh Petersen, now an assistant on Kenny Brooks’ Kentucky women’s basketball staff.
Petersen started his basketball career not as a player, but as the head manager at Florida State from 2008–2012. His wife was an equipment manager there, and together they learned the game from the ground up.
“I thought I’d be an accountant,” Petersen said. “Turns out, I was terrible at it. But coaching felt right.”
After six years at FSU and five NCAA Tournament appearances, Petersen worked his way up through UNC Asheville, Pittsburgh, and Miami, where he helped the Hurricanes reach their first Elite Eight.
Now at Kentucky, he says he still can’t believe where he’s landed.
“Every day I walk into the gym, I think, ‘This is the birthplace of basketball greatness,’” he said. “Working for Coach Brooks at Kentucky—there’s nothing like it.”
