Rocky Sashitharan He played six years at Zuler Field at Dix Stadium, serving as an assistant coach for the last three years before being named associate head coach of the Kent State football program.
“I'm very grateful.” Randale L. Richmond And our administration promoted Rocky to associate head coach.'' Rob Marinaro Said. “Rocky has invested endless amounts of time and energy into our program, making significant contributions and leading to positive progress. His dedication to our recruiting efforts and care for our student-athletes is immeasurable. He earned this opportunity, and I'm excited about the future of Kent State football.”
During Sasitharan's tenure as assistant coach, Kent State reached the Mid-American Conference championship game twice. Sashitharan has coached one MAC Defensive Player of the Year, 12 All-MAC selections, six MAC All-Tournament team members, five All-Region honorees, and 27 Academic All-His MAC award winners.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.” Randale L. Richmond “Coach Marinaro gave me the opportunity and confidence to promote me to Associate Head Coach. Their confidence in my abilities meant a lot to me and I am excited to take on this new role within our program. I am truly honored to be able to do this,” said Sasitharan. I look forward to continuing to work closely with his coach Marinaro, his coach Jenna, and the young women of the program to maintain the standards of excellence that have been set for the team. Coach Marinaro's guidance and guidance has been invaluable to me and we are dedicated to contributing to the success of our entire team. ”
Last season, Sasitharan helped coach a Kent State team that returned to the MAC Championship Game after a 12-7-2 (7-4 MAC) season. Alisa Arthur Kent State had a breakout year in the middle, leading the Flashes in goals (10), assists (6), points (26), shots (61) and shots on goal (32), tying the program record with six. It was tied for first place. He won the domestic game with 6 goals.Arthur earned First Team All-MAC honors Kelsey Salopek, returned to defense from midfield.newcomer Alana Raimondo and josie morgan Both earned MAC All-Freshman Team honors.
In 2022, Sasitharan was instrumental in the continued development of Kent State's program as the Flashes finished 4-7-7 (4-2-5).new student Kelsey Salopek He made an immediate impact on the team, leading the team in goals while pacing the team with his shooting and shots on goal en route to being named to the MAC All-Freshman Team. Teanna Harris also continued to dominate the Flashes' back line, earning All-MAC First Team honors for the second time in her career. At the end of the season, Harris will sign a professional contract with FC Fleury 91 of France's First Division.
In his first year as an assistant coach, Sasitharan helped the Flashes have a great season in 2021. The 13-5-3 record (7-1-3 MAC) was Kent State's best season since 2017. Six Flashes were honored. MAC as All-Conference Performers: Cameron Shendenhelm, Carly Helstrom and Teanna Harris all made the All-MAC First Team. Sienna Stamborich, Alisa Arthur and Grace Baresi made the All-MAC Freshman team. Harris was also named MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
While Sashitharan worked as a volunteer coach for the Kent State soccer team, the Flashes went 2-1-1 against Power Five schools. The Flashes averaged 1.85 goals per game during the 2018 season, ranking second in the Mid-American Conference.
Prior to his time at Kent State University, Sasitharan was the Director of Women's Coaching at FC Durham Academy, where at the time he was the youngest coach in Canada to hold a National B coaching license. Sashitharan also coaches his club Ajax Soccer in Ontario, where he was on staff for two years. Sasitharan's football experience as a player includes stints at Sigma FC Academy (2005-10), Erin Mill Soccer Club (2000-10) and York University (2010-11).
Sashitharan graduated with honors from York University in 2016 with a BA in Psychology. She then graduated from the University of Akron School of Law in 2021 with a Juris Doctorate.
Kent State football concludes its spring schedule this month with games against Mercyhurst (Saturday, April 13), Youngstown State (Saturday, April 20) and West Virginia State (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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