Conner High School New Coach Noel Rash and His Wife, Julie Willis Rash, Have Been Married for Over Two Decades!

Noel Rash had cited his desire to spend time with his wife of 25 years, Julie, and their kids during his retirement from Beechwood High School in February 2023.

However, his recent naming of the head football coach at Conner High School in June 2025, following the passing of longtime coach Dave Trosper, brings renewed focus to his personal and professional life.

When Noel Rash announced his retirement from Beechwood High School in February 2023, he cited health reasons and a desire to prioritize personal wellness.

A significant factor in his decision was the opportunity to spend more time with his family, particularly his wife and their two children.

Rash, then 56, emphasized that while his health was not in dire condition, the demanding nature of coaching had taken a toll, and he wanted to focus on his well-being and family life.

His retirement from Beechwood was partly motivated by a desire to cherish moments with Julie and their children after years of intense dedication to football.

The football coach’s wife, Julie, has been a key part of his journey.

Rash and Julie have been married for 25 years. They tied the knot on August 21, 1999.

On their 24th wedding anniversary, she shared a picture with a sarcastic caption, which reads:

Happy anniversary to my hubs. Wow – 24 years with me? You’re tougher than I thought. Congratulations and thank you for not letting me quit. ♥️

Julie Rash

Rash and his wife have two children, Corey and Liza, who have pursued their paths beyond Kentucky. Their daughter Liza was born on April 20, 2021.

Their daughter resides in California, while their son lives in Columbus, Ohio. Though specific details about their names or professions remain unknown, Rash’s decision to step away from Beechwood coaching was influenced by his wish to stay connected with them.

Noel Rash Served 23 Years at Beechwood, Rising From Staff to Assistant Coach to Head Coach!

Respected Coach Noel Rash’s journey in football began as a player at Lloyd Memorial High School, where he graduated in 1985, before playing at Thomas More University.

Having lost his father to leukemia at age two, Rash found father figures in his coaches, shaping his passion for the sport and its impact on young athletes.

Rash’s coaching career started as an assistant at Lloyd Memorial, Simon Kenton, and Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller before he joined Beechwood High School’s staff in 2000.

In 2006, he was promoted to head coach, succeeding legends Mike Yeagle and Bernie Barre. Over 17 seasons, Rash transformed Beechwood into a powerhouse, compiling a 193-46 record.

His tenure included eight state championships, 15 region championships, and 17 undefeated district seasons.

The pinnacle came in 2021, when Beechwood went 15-0, snapping a six-game losing streak to rival Covington Catholic and defeating Mayfield for the first time in school history in the Class 2A state semifinals, followed by a 23-21 state championship win over Lexington Christian.

Despite a 9-3 debut season in 2006, losing in the second round of the Class A playoffs, Beechwood never fell in that round again under his leadership.

His only other non-region-championship season was in 2013, when the Tigers finished 8-5.

In 2022, Rash led Beechwood to a 14-1 record, defeating Mayfield 14-13 in the Class 2A state championship, capping a remarkable three-year run of 39-3.

His contributions earned him recognition as one of four Northern Kentucky coaches honored as an NFHS State Coach of the Year.

Rash retired from Beechwood in February 2023, choosing to remain a social studies teacher at the school while focusing on his health and family.

He described Beechwood as his home, expressing gratitude for the community and players who made his tenure unforgettable. However, the call to coach proved too strong to resist.

In June 2025, Rash accepted the head coaching position at Conner High School, motivated by a conversation with Ginny Trosper, the widow of Dave Trosper, who encouraged him to carry on her husband’s legacy.