CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas is keeping things close to home with its newest softball coach. After serving as an assistant for the last five years, including the last four as a full-time assistant, Kayla Lucas will be elevated to head coach, being named the fifth head coach in program history.
 
Lucas, a Marion, Arkansas native, has served the program recruiting and developing players in the field and at the plate, and in four years as a full-time staff member, it's been nothing short of success. Under Lucas's tutelage, the Bears have finished with a top-three seed in the ASUN every year since joining the conference, and have held a top-50 fielding percentage in the country as well. In four full seasons in Conway, Lucas has helped coach 28 All-ASUN athletes, including three-straight ASUN Defensive Players of the Year.
 
"I am both honored and humbled to accept this position and remain at UCA. I want to thank Matt Whiting for the confidence and trust to continue the success of our program," Lucas said. "I also want to thank Jenny Parsons and Dave Kuhn for bringing me in and trusting me. Without your support and love, I wouldn't have this opportunity. I look forward to adding onto the foundation that has made this program successful and continuing to build the Central Arkansas legacy."
 
A graduate of CBC, Lucas stays with a program that played four freshmen as full-time starters, including First Team All-ASUN and Freshman of the Year Addie Graham. She, along with six other full-time starters and a quality bench, look poised to compete in the ASUN for the next several seasons under Lucas.
 
"Coach Kayla Lucas has been involved with our softball program since 2021. Not only is she very familiar with the University and program, she has been instrumental in some of our softball program's greatest accomplishments," Athletic director Matt Whiting said. "I am excited to elevate Kayla to the role of Head Coach and look forward to working with her to continue advancing Central Arkansas Softball to new heights."
 
The Bears have won 173 games over the five seasons that Lucas has been a part of the staff, including the 2023 ASUN regular season and conference tournament championships. The 2023 season included a trip to the Tuscaloosa Regional, where Central Arkansas won its first NCAA Regional game.