BSU Thornburg Fitness Center & Outdoor Adventure Get New Coordinator
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- As an undergraduate, Ashley Hartsfield, ’25, was very involved in the Bridgewater State University Athletic Department. She worked under Tara Nelson as part of the Bristaco group, a position she held for three years.
Ashley Hartsfield, '25, Comes Full Circle to Lead Campus Recreation Programs
By Heather Harris Michonski | March 17, 2026
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- As an undergraduate, Ashley Hartsfield, ’25, was very involved in the Bridgewater State University Athletic Department. She worked under Tara Nelson as part of the Bristaco group, a position she held for three years.
Her duties included guiding BSU’s mascot at athletic events, managing Midnight Madness, and undertaking various administrative tasks. She also worked in the Thornburg Fitness Center, where she wore multiple hats including working at the front desk and in the weight room, and supporting the GroupEx classes on campus.
Hartsfield also suited up for the Bears, playing catcher during the 2022-23 women’s softball season. She later served as team manager.
Last May, the Cumberland, Rhode Island native graduated from BSU with degrees in geography and public relations. She recently returned to her alma mater as coordinator of the Thornburg Fitness Center & Group Ex/Outdoor Adventure Programs.
Why did you want to apply for this position?
When I first heard of this role, it was an immediate "yes." It felt like a natural fit because of my work as a student, therefore, I felt very inclined to put my name in the ring.
What are your main responsibilities?
As the coordinator for the fitness center, GroupEX, and Outdoor Adventure, I will have three areas of responsibility. I will assist and help manage the day-to-day operations of the fitness center. I will manage and oversee the GroupEx programs, which are fitness classes on campus open to the BSU community. Finally, I will be planning and executing day trips to various activities such as skiing, skydiving, hiking, ice skating, etc. I encourage all students to keep an eye out for announcements because I’m planning to kickstart those activities this semester!
Why did you choose this career path?
I have always had a natural niche for fitness. I grew up playing sports and going to the gym, which led to most of my work experience involving fitness or sports. In high school, I worked at a softball facility, and through college I worked in athletics and recreation. Therefore, when I graduated with my degrees, I was at a standstill. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do and I was having a hard time securing a position. I have been a CrossFitter for a long time, so [when] a position opened up at my gym to coach, I jumped on the opportunity to get my certifications and really run with my background in fitness. Therefore, when this position opened up, I knew it was something I was really passionate about and could see myself doing for a long time.
What are some of your, either short term or long-term goals, in this position?
Right now, my big focus is getting Outdoor Adventure off the ground and running. I am lucky enough to be stepping into a role where the fitness center and GroupEx are well taken care of, so my short-term goal is to get a few adventures planned and executed this semester. As for long-term goals, I would love to create a consistent Outdoor Adventure team/club/group that helps these programs be very successful. I would also love to see the GroupEx program grow, not just participantion, but in classes offered. I am here for the students, so my forever goal will be to make sure recreation is offering what they want to see.
What are you most looking forward to, coming back to work at your alma mater?
I am definitely most looking forward to returning to a familiar place. Being able to come back is almost a dream come true. I am also looking forward to being a voice, and creating spaces in recreation that I feel would have added to my personal college experience. Students spend a majority of their time in the classroom, so I hope if I can get them moving in either a fitness class or outdoor adventure, it will help add to their experiences.
Do you have a favorite spot on campus?
This is a hard one! When I was a student, you could always find me in the library. It was the best homework spot! A close second is, of course, the Adrian Tinsley Center, where you can find me now, specifically in the fitness center.
Do you have a fun fact about yourself that you'd like to share?
As I mentioned earlier, I am a long-time CrossFitter and now coach over at CrossFit Bridgewater.