Timko hired as Rider softball coach
When Rider University’s softball team began a search for a new head coach, one name finally stood out.
Jaci Timko.
One of the most prolific players in Robert Morris’ softball program, Timko was hired Tuesday to replace Tricia Carroll, who resigned in November after 21 seasons.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” said Timko, a graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School. “Having recently finished my playing career, I know the challenges that the current student-athletes face every day and can assist them in their development on and off the field. I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running and building upon the foundation of the Rider softball program to generate excitement for our team and student-athletes.”
The 2012 Northeast Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, Timko enjoyed a stellar four-year career at Robert Morris University, graduating with a degree in psychology. She joined the Colonials’ staff in 2013 and was part of the Northeast Conference Coaching Staff of the Year after helping RMU to its third consecutive NEC regular-season title. The Colonials were 30-17-1 overall and 16-4 in the NEC.
“I am excited to add Jaclyn to the Rider coaching staff,” said Director of Athletics Don Harnum. “She has been a big part of successful teams, both as a player and as a coach, and I am confident she has the skill set to provide our players with a positive, competitive Division I softball experience.”
Robert Morris won at least 30 games for the second straight year, including a doubleheader sweep of local rival Pitt. Three Colonials won a major postseason award from the NEC in 2013 while a fourth was selected All-NEC First Team. In Timko’s two full seasons on staff, Robert Morris won 54 games.
Arguably the top hitter in Robert Morris history, Timko was a three-time All-NEC selection, earning first team honors as a junior in 2011 and second team in 2010 and 2012.
An outfielder who possessed power and speed, Timko had a career batting of .359, the highest in RMU history. Timko also is the Colonial’s all-time leader with 130 runs scored, ranks second in career hits (201) and home runs (27) and fourth in career RBI (92). She is also the only Colonial to have at least three of the top 25 single-season batting averages in RMU history.
Timko helped lead RMU to four of its best seasons in school history, winning 114 games in her career, including a school-record 35 victories in 2012. The Colonials went 55-22 in the NEC during her career.
Timko spent this past season as head coach and academic counselor at New Jersey City University.