Ashley hires Adam Purzitza as head football coach
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — Another Carolina Coast Conference head football coaching position has been filled as Ashley has named Adam Purzitza to the role.
Purzitza previously spent the past 15 seasons as an assistant at Hoggard, including the last six as offensive coordinator. This is his first time as a head coach at the varsity level.
WWAY spoke to Purzitza on Tuesday, where he shared that his goal has been to be a head coach. He added that he was wondering when to make the move and waited for the right fit to come around. Ashley ended up being that opportunity.
Purzitza says he feels ready for the role after learning under Hoggard’s Scott Braswell and Craig Underwood. He feels the Eagles are in a good position after having impressive seasons in recent memory. That includes a 2025 playoff win as a 24 seed over a nine, the largest upset in the state.
He adds that the first message to the players once he meets them will involve an emphasis on hard work and accountability both on the field and in the classroom. Purzitza will also be a part of the physical education teaching staff at Ashley, a role he currently serves at Hoggard.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Ashley High School Principal Michael Perez provided the following statement on the hire of Purzitza:
“We were fortunate to receive 49 applicants for the head football coaching position. From that pool, a panel selected 12 candidates for interviews, and we conducted 11 in-depth interviews with outstanding educators and coaches. The quality of candidates and interviews spoke volumes about the strength of football leadership that is in New Hanover County Schools or who want to be a part of our county.
Following this thorough and competitive process, we are proud to announce the selection of Coach Adam Purzitza, who will be leaving his current role as Offensive Coordinator at John T. Hoggard High School to lead the Ashley Screaming Eagles football program.
Coach Purzitza brings 15 years of coaching experience, having served in multiple roles at Hoggard under Coach Braswell and Coach Underwood. He is widely respected for his offensive planning, player development, leadership, and ability to build disciplined, cohesive teams. His experience within New Hanover County reflects a deep understanding of our community and a strong commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
We will be scheduling a meeting with players very soon, followed by a separate opportunity for staff to meet Coach Purzitza, and then a parent meet-and-greet. We look forward to introducing him to the entire Ashley family.
We are incredibly grateful for the many outstanding educators who also serve as coaches at Ashley High School and across our district. Their dedication and contributions continue to make a lasting impact on our students and school community.”
Purzitza replaces Dante Lombardi, who stepped down after four years.
Ashley was one of four Carolina Coast schools in need of new head coaches in 2026. Topsail and West Brunswick have already filled their vacant positions, leaving Laney as the last one still searching for their new leader on the gridiron.
