University of SC Aiken

USC Aiken Pacers Athletics
471 University Parkway Aiken, SC 29801

Division 2 South Carolina Southeast

Public Small Competitive team

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Coaches

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Jaclin Poole

Jaclin Poole was hired as the head softball coach on June 15, 2020.

"We are excited to get someone with Jaclin's passion and background here at USC Aiken," Director of Athletics Jim Herlihy said.

"Within four seasons, Jaclin was able help Lees-McRae win the conference tournament and earn its first-ever NCAA Tournament berth after taking over a six-win program," Herlihy stated. "She has the knowledge and experience we are looking for. Jaclin is a tremendous addition to Pacer Nation and we are thrilled to see how she can build upon a solid foundation."

Poole guided the Pacers to a 29-22 mark during her second year. The team set the school record for steals in a game (11 at Erskine) and tied the school mark for most hits in a game (21 at Flagler and tied the school ledger for consecutive road wins (6). USC Aiken also established a school record for home runs in a season (41) while putting together the third-best batting average (.290) and third-most RBI (209) in the program's history. Poole's standout KB Moore tied the school mark for RBI in a game (7 at Georgia College) while Lakyn Phillips registered a no-hitter against Claflin. During the team's standout campaign, the Pacers took two-of-three from nationally-ranked North Georgia - one of which was a shutout by Phillips and the other ended in a dramatic walk-off home run from Moore. In all, four student-athletes picked up all-conference honors, tying for the most in program history.

During her first year at the helm, Poole guided the Pacers to a sweep of Francis Marion and Lander, marking the first time since 2017 the squad had picked up two sweeps over league foes. She also coached all-conference performer Faith Cooke.

Poole, a native of Clover, S.C., comes to USC Aiken from Division II Lees-McRae, where she has served as the head coach since the fall of 2015. Prior to being named the head coach in Banner Elk, N.C., Poole was an assistant coach with the Bobcats.

In each season, LMC saw consistent improvement under Poole's direction. The win total increased every year during her tenure as did her team's on-base percentage. In a shortened 2020 campaign, Poole guided LMC to a pair of victories over No. 1 Young Harris.

In 2019, the Bobcats picked up their first-ever NCAA Division II Tournament victory in sensational fashion when Kara Cunningham registered a walk-off inside the park homer for a 1-0 nine-inning win over Coker.

Under Poole's tutelage, Cunningham was named the 2019 Conference Carolinas Player of the Year while also picking up all-region and All-America accolades. Poole has coached six student-athletes that earned all-conference honors and five that were all-tournament team selections.

"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to take the reins of the USC Aiken softball program," Poole said. "There has been a tradition of success at USC Aiken and I expect nothing less in the years to come. I am thankful for Director of Athletics Jim Herlihy, Chancellor Dr. Jordan, and the hiring committee for the opportunity and their trust in me to lead this incredible program."

A 2013 graduate of Coker College, Poole earned her degree in sports management and completed her Master of Science in college athletic administration in December 2020. On the diamond, she was a two-time Conference Carolinas all-tournament team selection. A four-year student-athlete, Poole was named to the Presidential Honor Roll, was an NFCA All-America Scholar and was tabbed Coker's "Freshman Athlete of the Year."

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Alicia Dorgan

Alicia Dorgan is in her third year at USC Aiken.

Dorgan became the first full-time assistant coach in the softball program's history in the summer of 2021.

“Alicia proved instrumental to our program in her part-time role last season,” Poole said. “Her ability to instruct and adapt is something I was looking for in the assistant role. Alicia brings a wealth of knowledge with her from her Division I playing experience and her previous coaching experience in the travel ball circuit. She will assist with all aspects of the game and our players will definitely benefit from having her in a full-time role. It’s a great time to be a Pacer.”

Dorgan, who was a part-time assistant coach during Poole’s first season at the helm of the program, coached the Carolina Aftershock 16-under team since 2018. During that time, she ran clinics and camps. Additionally, Dorgan gave private hitting and fielding lessons while preparing her student-athletes for college softball.

In 2022, Dorgan helped the team increase its win total by 23 games. The team went 29-22 and made the PBC Tournament for the first time since 2016. USC Aiken upset No. 12 North Georgia twice, including one via a walk-off home run by KB Moore and the other a 4-0 shutout.

The 29 wins marked the most in the program since 2019. During the season, her team tied the school record for consecutive road wins. It also established a school record with 11 steals in the win over Erskine. The Pacers’ 41 home runs also set a school record. Individually, Moore tied the school record with a seven-RBI performance in the victory over Georgia College while Taylor Butts tied the school mark for sacrifice bunts in a game.

Dorgan coached four all-league performers (Emily Ayers, Jena Dewalt, Moore and Lakyn Phillips). It tied for the most all-conference honors USC Aiken has had in a single season in school history (2009).

Prior to her time there, she was an assistant instructor for Elite 80 LLC. There, she assisted with developing student-athletes and was an administrator for camps and tournaments.

In 2017, Dorgan coached the Carolina Aftershock 14-under squad.

She had a stellar career at USC Upstate where she earned her degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in psychology and criminal justice. Dorgan also holds a minor in coaching. She’s the sister of fellow Pacer standout Lyndie Dorgan.