Taira Roth is in her first season as an assistant coach at Lake Superior State after serving as a graduate assistant at Central Missouri State University and an assistant golf professional.

Roth played basketball and golf at Missouri Western State University and was named MWSU's Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2002-03 and 2003-04. She was also a 2004 academic all-American in golf.

Roth served as a graduate assistant in women's basketball at Central Missouri State University from 2004-06 while earning a master's degree in physical education/exercise and sports science. During the past year, she was an assistant golf professional at Shiloh Springs Golf Club in Platte City, Mo.

"We are extremely lucky to add Taira to the coaching staff," said Jamie Pewinski, who is entering her second season as head coach of the LSSU women's basketball team. "She is young and energetic, and will make an immediate impact on our returning players and the newcomers. She has a tremendous passion for basketball and the coaching profession. She understands what it takes to be successful at this level. I am really looking forward to working with her, and we will work toward getting the Lakers back into the NCAA Tournament."