Melissa ISD is proud to announce these leadership updates within its athletic department for the 2026–2027 school year, including Coach Katie Stinton’s transition to Assistant Athletic Director and Coach Ashley Anderson’s appointment as Head Girls Basketball Coach.
Coach Katie Stinton, Melissa ISD Assistant Athletic Director
Coach Katie Stinton brings 24 years of coaching experience to her new role as Melissa ISD’s Assistant Athletic Director for the 2026–2027 school year. Over the past four seasons, she has led the Lady Cardinal basketball program while serving as the Girls Athletic Coordinator. Throughout her career, Coach Katie Stinton has coached at several schools across Texas and held a variety of leadership roles, including Athletic Coordinator, Assistant Athletic Director, and Assistant Principal. She has compiled 344 career wins and guided multiple teams to Regional Final appearances.
Before beginning her coaching career, Coach Katie Stinton earned a full basketball scholarship to the University of Texas, where she played under Hall of Fame coach Jody Conradt. She graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts and Communications and later earned a Master’s in Education from Lamar University.
“I am excited about the opportunity to serve in this new leadership role within the Melissa ISD Athletic Department,” said Coach Katie Stinton. “Supporting our coaches and student-athletes across the district is a responsibility I’m honored to take on. I look forward to advocating for high school athletics in Texas and ensuring our students continue to have one of the best overall student-athlete experiences in the state.”
Melissa ISD Athletic Director Seth Stinton also shared his excitement for this transition, stating, “Katie has been a tremendous asset to our athletic department, and her leadership, organization, and dedication to our student-athletes and coaches have made a significant impact on our programs. She consistently goes above and beyond to support our teams, staff, and the overall mission of Melissa ISD athletics. I am excited about the leadership and perspective she will bring to this position and look forward to the continued growth of our athletic programs.”
For the 2026–2027 school year, Coach Katie Stinton will transition into the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Melissa ISD, stepping away from her position as Head Girls Basketball Coach. Current Associate Head Coach Ashley Anderson will assume the role of Head Coach for the Lady Cardinals basketball program.
Coach Ashley Anderson, Girls Basketball Head Coach
Coach Ashley Anderson will step into the role of Head Girls Basketball Coach after serving as Associate Head Coach for the past two seasons. A dedicated educator and coach with nearly 20 years of experience, Anderson has served in a variety of roles throughout her education career, including being a teacher, girls athletic coordinator, and head coach, helping build programs centered on discipline, integrity, and competitive excellence.
Coach Anderson earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Tarleton State University and later completed a Master’s in Educational Administration from Lamar University. Her leadership and impact on the court have also been recognized across the state, as she was named the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Region 2 Coach of the Year.
Assistant Athletic Director Katie Stinton shared her excitement, saying, “I couldn’t be more excited to see how Coach Anderson will elevate our girls basketball program. She’s a proven winner on the court and in the classroom, a class act who leads with grit, and an incredible mentor and role model for our students. We’re fortunate to have her leading our program.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this program,” Coach Ashley Anderson said, “It’s a privilege to build on the strong culture already in place and help guide these young women not only in basketball, but in life. I’m excited about the future of Melissa Girls Basketball as we work together to build sustained success and maintain a championship-level standard.”
Melissa High School and East Cardinal Middle School student-athletes, parents, guardians, and community members are invited to a meet-and-greet event with Coach Ashley Anderson on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main High School Gym. We hope to see you there!