Stacey Rice

SLIPPERY ROCK —Stacey Rhodes was one of the most productive hitters in Slippery Rock University softball history.

That was six years ago.

Much has changed since then — except her address.

Now married, Stacey Rice was recently named head coach of SRU softball. That comes on the heels of her three seasons as an assistant coach. She served as a graduate assistant coach for The Rock in 2009 and 2010.

“I spent one year as a teacher in Pittsburgh,” Rice said. “That's the only time I've been away from here.

“I definitely bleed Green and White. This university has been good to me. I've gotten a good education and some great softball performances.”

Rice graduated with a degree in secondary education from The Rock in 2008. She received her master's degree in reading from The Rock in 2010.

Rice replaces Becky Sciacca — who stepped down during the offseason —as head coach. Sciacca was 48-63 in three seasons at the helm, compiling records of 16-17, 16-20 and 16-26.

“We're excited for Stacey to move into this new role with the program,” SRU athletic director Paul Lueken said in a prepared statement. “Stacey has been a great ambassador for Slippery Rock University and its softball program throughout her playing and coaching career.

“Her knowledge and experience in our conference will be an asset to the program moving forward.”

The Rock's last winning season and PSAC playoff appearance was 2011, when the team was 19-13. Its best season ever was in 2008 — Rice's senior year — when SRU won a school-record 27 games and advanced to the NCAA regional for the first time.

“Those were great times and this program has been building toward a return to that level,” Rice said. “We've had a young team the past couple of years and now we're maturing.

“Our infield is back, besides the first baseman. Our outfield is coming back. We'll be young on the mound with freshmen and a sophomore.”

Rice emphasizes offense as a coach and her playing career reflects that. She ranks second on The Rock's all-time list with 35 homers and 129 RBI, first with 186 hits, 143 runs, 35 doubles and 334 total bases.

Among her single-season records are 60 hits, 40 runs, 15 doubles and 14 homers.

“Those records help give me credibility,” Rice said. “When you have credibility, people listen.”

Butler graduate Caitlin Baxter is the lone Butler County player on the team. She had just five hits in 37 at bats as a freshman this past spring, but Rice expects those numbers to drastically improve.

“She never saw pitching like that before,” Rice said. “Now she's had a year to adjust. Cait's got a ballplayer's attitude. She's no-nonsense and she'd run through a wall for you.”

SRU has eight incoming freshmen and Rice is already working on next year's recruiting class.

Along with coaching The Rock, Rice is also co-head coach of the Pennsylvania Rebellion, a professional women's softball team based in Washington, Pa. She is from South Park.

“I'm all about winning and our immediate goal is to get to the PSAC playoffs next spring, to join the party,” she said of SRU. “We just have to mature and work a little harder. The talent is here.”

Lueken noted that SRU will conduct a search for Rice's assistant coach in the next few months.