Oakley Elevates Roush to Assistant Coach

KENT, Ohio - Kent State head softball coach Eric Oakley has completed his coaching staff for the 2020 season, promoting alumnae Arika Roush from volunteer assistant to assistant coach.

"I'm thrilled to be able to name Arika Roush as the new assistant coach here at Kent State," said Kent State head coach Eric Oakley. " Arika is an incredibly hard worker and does a fantastic job of breaking down game skill, and communicating with the student-athletes. She made a big impression on me as a student-athlete here at Kent State, and continued to impress me in her role last year as our volunteer assistant. Not only has she had success here at Kent during her four years playing, but she also went out and gave back to the game by coaching at the high school level for two years. The energy she will bring to the office and to the team will be contagious. We're looking forward to accomplishing some great things this season, and Arika will be a big part of our success."

As a volunteer assistant last year, Roush aided the team to a second place finish in the Mid-American Conference standings and two top-25 wins. She played a pivotal role in advance scouting and gameplan development while assisting the team in a myriad of other facets.

Before working as the volunteer assistant last year, she coached at Kenton Ridge High School and locally at Walsh Jesuit High School.

Roush played four years for the Golden Flashes from 2013-16 and was a member of two MAC Championship teams in 2015 and 2016. She compiled her best season as a senior, when she started all 59 games in centerfield. The Springfield, Ohio native also set the single-season school record with 26 hit by pitches.

Last season Kent State finished second in the MAC and became the first team in conference history to win the player, pitcher and rookie of the year awards all in the same season.

Players Mentioned

Arika Roush

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