With her blue and gray Stanley cup in hand, Coach Ashley Loyd starts her day in the gym for P.E. and then Athletics. Next, she’s off to room 401 for station teaching in 8th Language Arts. After a 48-minute break to plan and grade, Coach Loyd returns to the gym for another round of Athletics. At the sound of the bell, she books it all the way to the 200 wing for 6th grade Social Studies. Finally, it’s back to the gym to finish out her day.
What Coach Loyd loves best about Kimmons is the kids.
“They are so funny and even on my hardest days, they find ways to make me laugh,” Coach Loyd said. “I cannot stay upset for long.”
Coach Loyd’s Grandpa Loyd inspired her to be a teacher and coach.
“He only had an 8th grade education, and because of that, education was so important to him,” Coach Loyd said.
Before returning to her home state of Arkansas, Coach Loyd spent fourteen years in Bryan, Texas, where she taught 6th grade Social Studies, 8th grade Language Arts, 9th grade World Geography, and 10th grade World History. She also coached 7th-12th grade Volleyball, Basketball, and Track. In her final two years in Texas, she switched to counseling.
A favorite teaching memory for Coach Loyd was watching her 2014-2015 students persevere through the chaos of things beyond their control.
“Being able to watch them excel in high school, knowing firsthand what they had been through, made my teacher’s heart so happy,” Coach Loyd said. “They will forever be one of my favorite groups of kiddos.”
One of Ms. Loyd’s biggest challenges as a teacher and coach has been watching what some students have to experience.
“Not being able to take those challenges away is difficult,” Coach Loyd said. “They are definitely stronger humans than I am.”
One surprising fact about Coach Loyd is that in 2014 she participated in a fundraiser for NICU patients and was able to go skydiving.
“I do not like heights or tight spaces, so I conquered a lot of fears that day,” Coach Loyd said. “What added to the experience was being able to do it with my dad and sister.”
Outside of school, Coach Loyd enjoys spending time with her family hiking, camping, watching sports, cooking out, or taking her nephews to Chuck E. Cheese, Parrot Island, or Monkey House.
“They are absolutely the best!” Coach Loyd said.
