Sasitharan Promoted to Soccer Associate Head Coach
4/8/2024 1:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Rocky Sasitharan has been named Associate Head Coach of the Kent State Soccer program after six years on the sidelines at Zoeller Field at Dix Stadium, the last three as an assistant coach.Â
"I am extremely grateful to Randale L. Richmond and our administration for promoting Rocky to Associate Head Coach," Head Coach Rob Marinaro said. "Rocky has poured endless hours of time and energy into our program - making significant contributions which have led to positive strides.  His commitment to our recruiting and the care he puts into our student-athletes is immeasurable. He has earned this opportunity, and I am excited for the future of Kent State Soccer."
During Sasitharan's tenure as assistant coach, Kent State has reached the Mid-American Conference championship game twice. Sasitharan has mentored one MAC Defensive Player of the Year, 12 All-MAC selections, six MAC All-Tournament Team member, five All-Region honorees, and 27 Academic All-MAC award winners.
"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Randale L. Richmond and Coach Marinaro for the opportunity and trust they have shown in elevating me to Associate Head Coach," Sasitharan said. "Their belief in my abilities means the world to me, and I am truly honored to take on this new role within our program. I am eager to continue working closely with Coach Marinaro, Coach Jenna, and the young women in our program to uphold the standards of excellence that have been set for our team. Coach Marinaro's guidance and mentorship have been invaluable to me, and I am committed to contributing my utmost to our collective success."
Last season, Sasitharan helped guide a Kent State team that made its return to the MAC Championship game after a 12-7-2 (7-4 MAC) season. Alisa Arthur had a breakout year for Kent State in the midfield leading the Flashes in goals (10), assists (6), points (26), shots (61), and shots on goal (32) while tying the program record and tying for sixth in the nation in game-winning goals with six. Arthur earned First Team All-MAC honors alongside Kelsey Salopek, who moved back from the midfield to defense. Newcomers Alanna Raimondo and Josie Morgan both earned MAC All-Freshman Team honors.
In 2022, Sasitharan was instrumental in the continued development of the Kent State program as the Flashes finished 4-7-7 (4-2-5). Freshman Kelsey Salopek made an instant impact in the squad, tying for the team lead in goals while pacing the team in shots and shots on goal en route to a MAC All-Freshman Team selection. Tianna Harris also continued to be a dominant force on the Flashes' back line, earning All-MAC First Team honors for the second time in her career. After the season, Harris would sign a professional contract with FC Fleury 91 in France's Division 1 Féminine.
In his first year as an assistant coach, Sasitharan helped the Flashes have a great season in 2021. A 13-5-3 record (7-1-3 MAC) marked the best season for Kent State since 2017. Six Flashes were honored by the MAC as All-Conference performers: Cameron Shendenhelm, Karly Hellstrom and Tianna Harris all made the All-MAC First Team while Siena Stambolich, Alisa Arthur and Grace Barresi made the All-MAC Freshman Team. Harris was also named MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
During Sasitharan's time working as a volunteer coach on the Kent State soccer team, the Flashes went 2-1-1 versus Power Five schools. The Flashes averaged 1.85 goals per game during the 2018 season, which ranked second in the Mid-American Conference.Â
Prior to his time at Kent State, Sasitharan was the Girls' Director of Coaching at FC Durham Academy, where, at the time, he was the youngest coach in Canada with a National B coaching license. Sasitharan also spent two years on the club coaching staff for Ajax Soccer Club in Ontario. Sasitharan's soccer experience as a player includes stints with Sigma FC Academy (2005-10), Erin Mill Soccer Club (2000-10), and York University (2010-11).
Sasitharan graduated with honors from York University in 2016 with a B.A. in Psychology. He then went on to graduate from the University of Akron School of Law in 2021, Juris Doctor.
Kent State Soccer will wrap up its spring schedule this month with games against Mercyhurst (Saturday, April 13), Youngstown State (Saturday, April 20), and at West Virginia (Sunday, April 28). Be sure to visit kentstatesports.com in the coming months for information on the 2024 schedule and promotions.
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