"I'm excited to bring coach Ashton on board to be the first head coach of the men's lacrosse program," said AU athletic director Marcie Taylor. "Jacob's prior coaching experience at NCAA D-III institutions, coupled with a strong desire to recruit and mentor student-athletes in their faith makes him uniquely qualified to build a strong foundation for the new men's lacrosse program."

Ashton spent this past season as an assistant coach at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. He has ample collegiate experience, with previous assistant coaching experiences at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pa., Ohio Valley University in Vienna, W.V., and Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va.

"I am very excited to be selected as the first-ever men's lacrosse coach at Anderson University," Ashton said. "I would like to thank President John Pistole, Athletic Director Marcie Taylor and the search committee for this incredible opportunity.

"I would also like to thank my parents and family for all their support these past few years. Additionally, I would like to thank Christopher Newport University head coach Mikey Thompson, Messiah College head coach Atsen Bulus, Messiah assistant coach Andrew Johnson and Bridgewater College head coach Mic Grant for support and guidance over the years. I am beyond thankful, and am excited for the opportunity that God has presented before me."

Ashton is a graduate of James Madison University.