JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After two years as an assistant coach, Jacksonville softball's Jake Sidwell has been promoted to associate head coach ahead of the 2026 season.

Sidwell will continue to aid veteran head coach Erica Ayers in helping lead the Dolphin softball program, which is coming off a 23-win season and a victory in the 2025 ASUN Tournament.

"Jake's impact was felt immediately when he stepped on campus two years ago, so I am thrilled that we were able to elevate him into this role," Ayers said.  "Beyond the game of softball, which he has a great mind for, Jake builds strong relationships, is a really effective communicator and is fully capable of leading young women. He has a bright future ahead, I'm glad he's a Dolphin!"

After four years at the University of Virginia, Sidwell joined the Dolphins prior to the 2024 campaign and has helped see the team to tremendous success.

The 'Phins have made the ASUN Tournament in both seasons Sidwell has been on staff as well as having placed a player on the ASUN All-Conference list each season. 

As an assistant, Sidwell has increased the hitting efforts of the Dolphin contingency. In his two seasons, the Dolphins have hit .245 and .256 as a team respectively. In the past two years, JU has collected 639 hits, its highest two-year combined total since the 2017 and 2018 seasons. 

Jacksonville is coming off a 23-27 (9-15 ASUN) season where it finished fourth in the Graphite Division. JU's regular season highlights included winning back-to-back games over FGCU for the first time since 2011, a shutout win over Stetson on senior day and a five-game nonconference winning streak.

Sidwell and the 'Phins took down #9 North Alabama in the ASUNT, 6-1, before falling to #5 Austin Peay.