Niagara University, N.Y. – Niagara University Head Softball Coach Paul Gray announced the hiring of former Purple Eagle Kassidy Aiken as an assistant coach.
"I'm blessed to have Coach Aiken apart of the staff, she's able to help our program grow with her knowledge of the game and her energy she brings," Gray said, "She was a former D1 athlete and understands the importance of playing at a high level!"
"As a former outfielder on the defensive side she will help out with the outfielders as well as working together with hitters to improve our offense," "I'm excited for her to join the staff and can't wait to see what the future brings this year!"
"I am excited to bring my experience as a former dual-sport collegiate athlete and a coach who has worked with players of varying ages and skill levels," Aiken said, "My specialties are outfield development and hitting, with strong emphasis on a player-first philosophy."
"I believe that in order for athletes to be successful on the field, they must first develop a confident and resilient mindset.", "Softball is a game of constant adjustment, and I emphasize helping players feel changes in their mechanics while also understanding why and how those changes work."
"When athletes can articulate what they are doing and why they are doing it, they are better prepared to apply those skills in real game situations"
"I am truly excited to be back at Niagara. Being on campus has already brought back so many great memories, and I am looking forward to helping build, support, and contribute to the continued growth of the softball program here."
Aiken comes to Niagara as she previously had Head Coaching experience with Inferno Softball, where she coordinated roster selection to optimize team performance, oversaw schedule creation and ensured efficient team operations, developed and implemented detailed practice plan, designed and executed game strategies based on opponent analysis. Prior to Inferno Softball Aiken coached at Cheektowaga Central High School where she led the varsity softball program, overseeing all aspects of team development, planned and implemented advanced offensive and defensive strategies. Aiken's last stop before Monteagle Ridge where she was the modified coach in 2022 and assistant varsity coach in 2021 at West Seneca East Middle and High School, where she focused on fundamentals and skill development, and supported varsity coaching staff with game strategy, drills, and player feedback.
Before her coaching career Aiken attended the University of Buffalo as she was on the Softball team before coming over to Niagara University where she was on the golf team from 2020-2023. In her final season at Niagara Aiken was the Women's Golf Captain for the 2022-23 campaign.
A native of West Seneca, N.Y., Aiken graduated from Niagara University in December of 2022 with a Bachelor of Social Studies/Education 5-12 and graduated from the University at Albany in May of 2024 with a Masters in Curriculum Development & Instructional Technology.
