In this episode of the Life and Football podcast our special guest was Ashton Washington. Ms. Washington is the HighSchool Relations Director for Illinois Football. At just 23 years old, Washington, who was officially named as the first female African-American full-time staff member in Illini football history and the first full-time female hire of Lovie Smith’s five-year tenure, is putting herself in charge of being the point person and face of Illinois in-state recruiting. Ashton Washington brings a unique skill set to the Illinois Football program. She talked about growing up around her Family who loves Football. She tells us her Dad played Football at Mississippi State, her Cousin is Josh Dobbs, and her brother is currently playing for Penn State Football. She gives advice and motivation to others who are looking for careers in Football besides coaching. Washington joined the Illini after serving as a business and game day operations specialist for the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks last season. Washington graduated from Huston-Tillotson University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication in 2019. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This episode of the Life and Football podcast can be heard on the following platforms – Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Anchor, Spotify, Breaker, Overcast, Pocketcasts, Radio Public, Stitcher, & Player FM.