Soo Line: Ashley Smiley on Her Team’s Motto: “Heart, Hustle and Hudson Soccer”

By Soo Greiman
Even if you don’t know much about soccer, you realize Ashley Smiley and her husband, Ben, are skilled coaches recognized for bringing heart and soul to a sport they are passionate about.

For the past nine years, they have coached girls’ soccer at Hudson High School, with Ashley serving as head coach and Ben as assistant coach. For the past four years, their teams have been rewarded by qualifying for the State Tournament. After advancing to the state semifinals in 2025, the 2026 team captured the Class 1A state championship.

Weeks ago, their Pirate team, composed of two managers, 11 freshmen, one sophomore, seven juniors and five seniors, achieved the amazing feat of winning the Class 1A girls’ soccer state title. Despite the high number of freshmen, Ashley pointed out, they were able to lean on an experienced group of upperclassmen who had been in the state playoffs before.

Asked when it was during the state playoffs she realized her team could win the final game and claim the championship title, Ashley responded, “It is difficult to pinpoint an exact moment because every game is a competitive battle. However, during the overtime period of the finals, as we played Denver, after both Ben and I got done talking to them, some of the girls came forward to talk to the rest of the team. Their heart and determination were so unmistakable that after listening to them, I felt they were going to pull it out,” she said, nodding her head.

And they did.

When the double-overtime battle ended, Ashley and Ben told the Pirate players they won because of their belief in themselves and their commitment to one another.

Elaborating on several of her coaching techniques, Ashley said, “Part of my coaching philosophy has been to always create a welcoming, encouraging environment where players never give up. We like to follow six core pillars: Be a team. Do your best. Empower others. Enjoy the process. Be respectful to everyone. Leave the program better than you found it.”

To that last pillar, she noted how every year, players are reminded to leave a path for the next year’s team to follow, building on their motto: “Heart, Hustle and Hudson Soccer.”

When it comes to giving credit to her assistant coach, Ashley has high praise, telling how dedicated Ben is to scouting and watching game film.

“We call Ben the ‘soccer wizard’ because of his ability to break down complex tactics and explain them simply to high school players.”

The couple met while each played soccer at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, where Ben was the men’s goalkeeper.

Before that, Ashley attended Hudson Schools, graduating in 2009. She participated in cross country, basketball, track and soccer. Confiding she wasn’t a standout athlete in any of her sports, Ashley said her main focus was to be a positive, hard-working teammate.

Married for 10 years, Ashley and Ben have two young sons, Andrew, 6, and Carter, 3. Professionally, each works full-time in the financial retirement industry.

She pauses to add how grateful she is to her parents, Dan and Kelly King, who come to “hold down the house” when the Smileys are at soccer practices or games.

“Ben and I couldn’t coach if it wasn’t for my parents. They even bring the boys to as many games as possible.”

Because both coaches are always trying to learn new things in the soccer world, Ashley pointed out that, with the World Cup on right now, it’s helpful to simply be able to watch soccer. Ben studies game tactics through his work at Wartburg, while Ashley learns from other coaches at the club level. She also holds several U.S. Soccer coaching licenses, and both attend clinics in the offseason.

Sharing several more details, Ashley offered, “I can say winning state titles are a dream come true, but the relationships I build with players mean the most to me. We like to give back to the sport and community, so we incorporate local workouts, volunteering and non-soccer activities to remind players that life is more than just the game.”