Ashlan Burton joined the Lions as an assistant track & field coach ahead of the 2026-27 season. She coaches the Missouri Southern throwing group.
Burton joins the Lions with a remarkable resume as both an accomplished student-athlete and a rising coach in the industry.
She previously served as associate head track & field coach at Simpson College (Indianola, Iowa), working primarily with the Storm's throwers. During her tenure, Burton coached student-athletes to achieve 27 Top 10 marks in the school's history and helped set one school record, showcasing her ability to develop talent and foster success.
She also has experience at the high school level, having served as the head strength and conditioning coach as well as a throws coach for track and field at Lee's Summit North High School.
As a standout student-athlete at the University of Central Missouri, Burton earned the distinction of being a seven-time NCAA Division II All-American. Her accomplishments include four All-American honors in the indoor shot put and two in the outdoor shot put, with an additional All-American recognition in the discus throw.
Burton was also a formidable competitor in the MIAA, claiming six conference championships and receiving the 2021 MIAA Female Spring Athlete of the Year award. She holds the UCM school record in the indoor shot put and ranks in the top five in four other events in Central Missouri's history. Burton capped her collegiate career by being named the Peggy Martin Award winner as UCM's most outstanding female athlete in 2022.
Originally from Urbandale, Iowa, Burton graduated from Central Missouri with a degree in psychology. She also earned her master's degree in kinesiology with a focus in sport management from UCM.
