University of Memphis Athletics
Sasitharan Hired as Associate Head Women's Soccer Coach
Feb 19, 2025 | Women's Soccer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Rocky Sasitharan was named associate head coach for the Memphis women's soccer program, head coach Brooks Monaghan announced on Wednesday.
"We are super excited to have Rocky joining us; he is the perfect fit. He will play a major role in all facets of the program, and team is going to love working with him," said Monaghan. "He was the guy we courted from the day we learned [former associate head coach] Jordan [Darling] would be moving on. As a head coach, it's important to surround yourself with the right people in order to be successful, and Rocky is that right person. Not only is he a relentless recruiter, he has a great soccer mind and is a great human being."
Sasitharan joins the program after seven years at Kent State, where he served as an assistant coach before his promotion to associate head coach in April 2024. During his time with the Golden Flashes, Sasitharan helped lead the team to two Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship appearances, including a return to the final in 2023 following a 12-7-2 (7-4 MAC) season. His coaching and development efforts played a hand in 14 All-MAC selections, 11 MAC All-Freshman Team honorees, eight MAC All-Tournament Team members, seven All-Region players, two scholar All-Americans and 34 Academic All-MAC award winners.
Sasitharan also oversaw the development of 2024 MAC Freshman of the Year Jules Dolinski, as well as 2021 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Tianna Harris. Specializing in attacking strategies, opposition scouting and player development, his guidance helped multiple players transition to the professional level, with Kent State alumni signing with teams such as Dinamo Zagreb, Stomilanki Olsztyn and Fleury 91.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the University of Memphis and serve as the Associate Head Coach for this outstanding program. Memphis has a rich tradition of excellence, and I'm excited to contribute to the continued success of the team," said Sasitharan. "I look forward to working with Coach Monaghan, the staff and the talented student-athletes to build on the strong foundation that has been established. The vision and ambition of this program align perfectly with my passion for player development, tactical growth and championship aspirations."
A shrewd recruiter, Sasitharan has attracted top-tier domestic and international talent, supported by strong connections with national soccer organizations including the Canadian Youth National Team player pool. Off the field, he has been a strong advocate for academic success and program development. He also played a significant role in team branding, social media growth and program operations.
Prior to his Kent State experience, Sasitharan was the girls' director of coaching for FC Durham Academy, where he became the youngest coach in Canada with a National B coaching license. He also spent two years on the club coaching staff for Ajax Soccer Club in Ontario.
Sasitharan holds a master's degree in sports administration from Kent State, a juris doctor from the University of Akron School of Law and a bachelor's degree in psychology from York University. He will begin his coaching duties immediately as Memphis prepares to begin their spring schedule on March 2 at Mississippi State.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Soccer, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.