JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- After a nationwide search, Jacksonville University Senior Vice President and Athletic Director Alex-Ricker Gilbert has announced that Alicia Roth will be the next head coach of the volleyball program. Roth becomes the 12th head coach in the program's 50-plus year history.

"From the moment we had our first conversation with Alicia, we knew that she'd fit well within our culture," said Ricker-Gilbert. "Her passion and energy for the game was infectious, and we knew our student-athletes would appreciate the kind of leader that she is. Even more importantly, Alicia believes in developing the whole person, not just the athlete, and that is paramount with what we are trying to accomplish at Jacksonville. "I want to thank Dee Brown and the entire search committee for their tireless work in ensuring we hire the right person for this role. I am excited for the future of the volleyball program at JU."

Roth makes way to Jacksonville following a stint at Pittsburgh where she helped the Panthers to a 29-win season this year, which included a trip to the final four. In the past three seasons, Pitt is the only program in the nation to advance to the final four in all three, consecutively. The Lake Orion, Michigan native has had assistant coaching spells at Arkansas State and Mercer as well as a head coaching title at Johnson and Wales University in Denver, Colorado. She also served as the Senior Woman Administrator at JWU and oversaw the student-athlete advisory committee.

"We are thrilled to welcome Alicia Roth as our new volleyball head coach," said Senior Associate AD/University & Athletics Relations, Dee Brown. "Her unwavering passion for the sport, coupled with a shared vision for the team's success, makes her the perfect leader to inspire and elevate our athletes to new heights on and off the court."

Roth, who has coached at numerous levels in a variety of roles, expressed her appreciation of the University for the opportunity to lead the Dolphins volleyball team.

"This opportunity means a lot to me," said Roth. "I fell in love with this game when I was 13 years old, and I had no idea where it would take me. Now, to be able to lead my own program at an amazing place like Jacksonville University is a dream come true! I'm excited to bring a lot of passion, energy, and a gritty mentality to JU. I want to thank Alex Ricker-Gilbert and the hiring committee for believing in my vision for this program and allowing me the opportunity to lead it."

Prior to her tenure in Denver, Roth dedicated two seasons as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La.

Her coaching journey began in 2013 at Campbell University, where she started as a graduate assistant, with a focus on the defense for the Fighting Camels while also managing summer camps.

Hailing from Lake Orion, Mich., Roth served as a defensive specialist at Samford for four years. Her contributions played a vital role in the Bulldogs securing the 2011 Southern Conference title and earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. She played in over 90 matches throughout her collegiate career and received her bachelor's degree in Sports Administration.

What They're Saying About Coach Roth

"Alicia made a huge impact on our program in a short amount of time. We're thrilled that she has this great opportunity and truly believe that she is an incredible hire. Alicia is a rising star and possesses the leadership and organizational and interpersonal skills to be a successful head coach. She has a great demeanor and is excited for the vision of the Jacksonville program."
-    Dan Fisher, Pittsburgh Head Women's Volleyball Coach

"Coach Roth will be an incredible leader of the volleyball program at Jacksonville and an impeccable mentor for their student athletes.  JU got a Coach whose determination and hard work in the volleyball world will be matched only by her dedication and commitment to her own student athletes."
-    Derek Schroeder, Jacksonville State Head Women's Volleyball Coach