Kayla Lucas named head softball coach for Bears after developing hitters for Bears

Central Arkansas has officially promoted Kayla Lucas to head softball coach, marking a new chapter for the Bears as they look to build on recent successes in the ASUN Conference, according to an announcement from athletics director Matt Whiting.

Lucas, a Marion, Ark., native, becomes the fifth head coach in program history after serving as a key assistant for the past five seasons, including four as a full-time staff member.

Lucas’s roots in Arkansas and her deep ties to the UCA program made her a natural choice for the position.

Since joining the Bears’ staff in 2021, Lucas has played a pivotal role in recruiting and developing talent, both in the field and at the plate.

Her efforts have contributed to UCA’s emergence as a perennial contender in the ASUN, with the team securing a top-three seed every year since joining the conference and consistently ranking among the nation’s best in fielding percentage.

“Coach Kayla Lucas has been involved with our softball program since 2021,” Whiting said. “Not only is she very familiar with the University and program, she has been instrumental in some of our softball program’s greatest accomplishments.

“I am excited to elevate Kayla to the role of Head Coach and look forward to working with her to continue advancing Central Arkansas Softball to new heights.”

During Lucas’s tenure as an assistant, the Bears have posted an impressive 173 wins over five seasons, highlighted by the 2023 ASUN regular season and tournament championships.

That season, UCA set a program record with 45 wins and clinched its first NCAA Regional victory, defeating Long Island University in the Tuscaloosa Regional.

The Bears also recorded the fifth-best fielding percentage in the nation and boasted the third-lowest team ERA, reflecting Lucas’s influence on defensive development.

Lucas’s coaching has also produced individual accolades: under her guidance, 28 athletes have earned All-ASUN honors, and the Bears have celebrated three consecutive ASUN Defensive Players of the Year.

Notably, freshman Addie Graham was named First Team All-ASUN and ASUN Freshman of the Year, one of four freshmen who started full-time in 2024, signaling a bright future for the program.

Lucas’s coaching journey began prior to UCA, with a successful five-year stint as head coach at Young Harris College.

There, she led the Mountain Lions to four NCAA Division II National Tournaments, including a championship game appearance in 2019 and a program-best 44 wins.Her teams were consistently recognized for academic and athletic excellence, with numerous players earning all-conference and academic honors.

A graduate of Central Baptist College, Lucas also holds a master’s degree in Exercise Science/Human Performance from Georgia College and State University.

Her academic background complements her commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

“I am both honored and humbled to accept this position and remain at UCA. I want to thank Matt Whiting for the confidence and trust to continue the success of our program,” Lucas said. “I also want to thank Jenny Parsons and Dave Kuhn for bringing me in and trusting me.

“Without your support and love, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. I look forward to adding onto the foundation that has made this program successful and continuing to build the Central Arkansas legacy.”

With seven returning full-time starters and a talented bench, Lucas and the Bears are poised to remain competitive in the ASUN for years to come.

Her experience, leadership, and familiarity with the program position UCA softball for sustained success.