Kelsey Aikey has joined the UNI softball coaching staff as an assistant coach, announced by head coach Ryan Jacobs. Aikey, a Cedar Falls native, brings a wealth of experience, having served as the associate head coach at Simpson, where she helped lead the team to significant postseason successes. In 2026, her efforts earned her the title of NCAA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. Aikey's successful coaching career includes stints at both the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Division II Upper Iowa, where she showcased her ability to improve team performance significantly.

By the Numbers
  • Simpson's softball team achieved 41 wins in 2026, marking a third-place national ranking.
  • Aikey's coaching tenure at UMKC saw the team's victories increase from 9 in 2023 to 23 in 2024.
State of Play
  • Aikey's coaching at Simpson included their first A-R-C Tournament title and a successful NCAA tournament run.
  • She previously boosted UMKC’s pitching staff, significantly reducing their ERA from 8.18 to 3.88.
What's Next

With Aikey on board, UNI softball aims to elevate its competitive standing in upcoming seasons. Her proven track record in improving team performance suggests she will bring a strategic advantage to the program.

Bottom Line

Kelsey Aikey's appointment as assistant coach signals a strategic move for UNI softball, enhancing the coaching staff with her exceptional prior successes. Her background in significantly boosting team performance positions her as a key asset to the program's ambitions in future tournaments.