BANGOR, Maine — Husson University announced the hiring of Rick Roberts as its softball head coach on Friday.

"We are excited that Rick has agreed to remove the Interim tag from his title and join Husson as our permanent softball coach," stated Director of Athletics John Sutyak. "Rick's pedigree as the top pitching coach in the state, coupled with his ability to recruit and develop high level student-athletes is a perfect fit for Husson University as we work to continue a strong legacy of success for our softball program.  We are excited to see what Rick and his staff will do as we look to defend our NAC championship this season, and beyond."

Roberts served as the interim head coach for the 2024 season guiding the Eagles to a program-best record of 37-6, including a record 30-straight wins. 

"I'm very honored to be named the head coach of Husson Softball," said Roberts. "I want to thank president Dr. Lynne Coy-Ogan, athletic director John Sutyak and associate athletic director Janine Gmitter for their confidence in me. I also want to thank all of the athletic department for their continued help as I make this transition. Husson softball is a very talented group of athletes and I'm excited for the 2025 season."

Under Roberts, the Eagles captured their sixth-straight North Atlantic Conference Championship and earned the No.1 seed in the region, earning the right to host the NCAA Division III Softball Regional Championship. 

During the 2024 season, Roberts coached the NAC player, pitcher and rookie of the year and eight all-conference selections. 

Additionally, Roberts mentored the Maine College Baseball & Softball Association State player and pitcher of the year and was crowned state coach of the year. 

In his five seasons with the Eagles, Husson has won the NAC pitcher of the year in all five seasons, had four all-region pitchers, one state pitcher of the year, two tournament MVPs, one NCAA Regional Tournament Outstanding Player Award Winner and one Flosoftball Top-10 DIII Pitcher to Watch List selection. 

During the 2024 season, Husson posted an impressive 14-0 record against State of Maine opponents and knocked off No. 25 Hiram College 8-6 and No. 19 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 2-1 in eight innings during the NCAA regional.

Husson climbed as high as No. 20 in the national rankings and finished 2-2 in the regional, losing to Williams College in the regional final.