Ayala enters her second season at the helm of the Sharks' rowing program in 2026-27. Ayala transitions into the role after serving as an assistant coach for the Sharks during the 2024–25 season. She brings with her a strong rowing background and multi-sport athletic experience.
In Ayala's first season she coached the NSU 1V4+ boat to a Sunshine State Conference victory at the conference regatta as the boat was named the SSC's Boat of the Year.
A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Ayala was a four-year member of the Old Dominion University Women's Rowing Team, graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Before her collegiate career, she was a standout multi-sport athlete at Salem High School, competing in wrestling and field hockey, and earning three All-American honors before graduating in 2017.
In addition to her rowing and wrestling achievements, Ayala gained coaching experience in her hometown, leading field hockey programs within Virginia Beach City Public Schools from 2017–2019.
Ayala has helped NSU rowing continue to build on its tradition of success, highlighted by six Sunshine State Conference championships, 18 All-Americans, 65 Scholar All-Americans, and the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championship. With Ayala at the helm, the Sharks look to carry that legacy into the next chapter.
