Rocky Sasitharan - Associate Head Women's Coach - Women's Soccer Coaches

Rocky Sasitharan

Title:
Associate Head Women's Coach
Email:
r.sasitharan@memphis.edu

Sasitharan was named associate head coach for the women's soccer program in February 2025. Sasitharan brings a wealth of experience from his seven-year tenure at Kent State University, where he played a key role in the program’s success both as an assistant coach and an associate head coach.

During his time at Kent State, 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.

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 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 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.