RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas Tech hired Jordon Jones in 2022 as the Golden Suns head softball coach and she brought a four-legged staff member with her. However, Mr. Wilson the team's emotional support coach, wasn't officially on the roster until this season.
"We had roster pictures," Jones said. "I just thought it would be a cool extra thing for when we're recruiting."
Jones brought Mr. Wilson on the staff to help alleviate the stress they go through every day as student-athletes with jam-packed schedules.
"Coach will be like 'Hey Mr. Wilson is up here if y'all don't have class, come get some love from him. He's ready," Arkansas Tech outfielder Kaylyn Aguirre said.
About a month ago, Mr. Wilson's picture on Arkansas Tech's website gained traction online, with ESPN posting the pup on their social media accounts. The players received lots of texts and messages about their teammate's newfound fame.
The Golden Suns are thankful for their emotional support coach, who gives them that extra push.
"If you're having a bad day, and you're just like, 'Oh, Mr. Wilson, let's go play fetch!'" Aguirre said. "You throw the tennis ball around a little while until he gets tired and then you just go and give him some hugs."
"I don't know if people that aren't in college athletics understand the time, intensity, and the focus behind it," Jones said. "Having him around and just being able to break things up for the girls so can stop thinking about school for a second just smile and love on a dog, yeah I think it's really important."
You can watch the Golden Suns play this Friday at home against Northwestern Oklahoma at 2 p.m. to start their weekend series off.
