After four years serving as assistant coach, Arianna “Ari” Bulthuis was named head coach for the 2020-21 Cyclone softball season. In her first two years at the helm, she led the team to two Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championships and was named Skyway Coach of the Year twice.

Playing the game since she was 7-years-old, Bulthuis is a former Cyclone, having competed at the college in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. She played first base and dabbled as pitcher but made her real statements at the plate. Her first season as a Cyclone she averaged .375 with 23 RBIs. Her sophomore year she batted .382 and earned All-Conference honors.

Bulthuis coached the Orland Park A’s travel softball team for four years and became the Cyclone softball assistant coach in 2016. She has been striving for this promotion.

“Softball has been a huge part of my life. I have loved every minute of playing the game, but I also love every second of coaching. Becoming head coach has always been the goal,” she said.

In finally taking the reins, Bulthuis has objectives for her athletes on and off the field. “Some of my goals would be obviously bringing home the NJCAA Division II championship. That’s a given,” she said. “But I also want to help motivate these players who come to Moraine Valley to grow as individuals and reach their goals in softball and in life.”