Jason Kern Named new La Roche Head Softball Coach

Jason Kern Named new La Roche Head Softball Coach

"We were very diligent with the hiring of our next softball coach," said Athletic Director Jim Tinkey. "Coach Gentile set a standard with the softball program that is at the forefront of the legacy he left here at La Roche University. We are confident that Coach Kern is that coach. We're all excited to see what lies ahead for our softball program under Coach Kern's leadership."

Coach Kern spent 5 seasons as the Head Softball Coach at Penn State DuBois. In his first season, the program won their first ever game. In Coach Kern's second season, the team increased their win total from the previous season by 15 more wins. That season, the team advanced to their first Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference Finals appearance. The team also received their first ever bid to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Small College National Championship World Series. Coach Kern's third season was interrupted by Covid just 7 games into the season. In his 4th year in 2021, the Lady Lions qualified for the USCAA Small College National Championship World Series where he guided his team to a 4th place finish in the country. In his five seasons at Penn State DuBois, Coach Kern has produced 11 All-American players, 24 Academic AllAmericans, a National Player of the Year, 18 All-Conference players, a Conference Player of the Year, two Conference Pitchers of the Year and a Conference Newcomer of the Year.

"I'd like to thank Athletic Director, Jim Tinkey, Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator, Katherine Golebie, and Assistant Athletic Director – Operations, Andrew Bott for entrusting me to guide a softball program that has a strong successful tradition," said Coach Kern. "I'm honored to be chosen to follow a legendary coach in Coach Orie Gentile. I'm excited to take over where he left off and wish him nothing but health and happiness in his retirement. I look forward to leading a program that will succeed on the field, in the classroom and in the community."

Kern is a native of Claysville, Pa and attended California University of Pennsylvania and holds degrees in Sport Management and Criminal Justice. He owns a sports broadcasting company in Western Pennsylvania. Prior to being the Head Coach at Penn State DuBois, he was an Administrator, Head Softball Coach and an Assistant Football Coach at McGuffey High School. Kern currently resides in Claysville and has two daughters, Trinity and Emma. Trinity is a freshman at Duquesne University and Emma is a freshman in high school.