Jenna Roberts
	Position: Assistant Coach Experience: 2nd Year Alma Mater: Northern Illinois (2009)

Jenna Roberts, a former standout on the Northern Illinois University softball team from 2006-09, has returned to NIU as an assistant on Huskies' head coach Lindsay Chouinard's staff.

"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Jenna back," Chouinard said. "She has every trait that I was looking for in an assistant and more. Jenna is passionate, smart, loyal and was instrumental in building this program's foundation.

"She understands exactly what is means to be a Huskie, having been a true leader in this program herself. An incredible opportunity has been created for this program with her return; an opportunity for us to finish what Jenna helped us start in 2007."

Roberts, who played for Chouinard for two seasons, spent the last two years as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Evansville where she worked primarily with the Purple Aces outfielders.

"I admire and respect Coach Chouinard and Coach Ciolli for their knowledge of the game and their dedication to turning NIU into what it has become," Roberts said. "I feel so fortunate and humbled to join staff with them."

A native of Verona, Wis., Roberts was a four-year letterwinner for the Huskies, starting 146 of 171 games played. She tied NIU's single-season record for stolen bases with 26 in 2009 and is fourth all-time on NIU's career stolen bases list with 43. Roberts tallied 100 career hits and had a career-high 36 hits, including four doubles and a triple as a senior.

"I have always believed in the foundation and future of NIU Softball," Roberts said. "I see how much heart and passion the current student-athletes have for their program and it brings me such excitement to be able to coach players like that. I am honored to be welcomed back to my alma mater to join the race for a MAC Championship once again."

Roberts earned her bachelor's degree from NIU in sociology and psychology in 2009 and her master's degree in public service administration from Evansville in 2010.